Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Mango (Mangifera indica), often hailed as the "king of fruits," is a significant contributor to India's agricultural economy and biodiversity. However, mango cultivation faces considerable challenges due to various pests and diseases, leading to substantial yield losses. According to the National Horticulture Board, mango production in India accounts for approximately 55% of the world’s total production. The impact of these biotic stresses necessitates robust and sustainable management practices to ensure food security and farmer livelihoods. This response outlines the major pests and diseases affecting mango, alongside their corresponding management measures, emphasizing integrated approaches.
Major Pests of Mango
Several pests attack mango trees at different growth stages, impacting fruit quality and yield. Some of the most significant are listed below:
1. Mango Hopper (Amrasatus rugosulus)
- Symptoms: Yellowish-brown scale-like insects found on leaves, twigs, and fruits. They suck sap, causing leaf yellowing, stunted growth, and fruit blemishes. Honeydew excretion leads to sooty mold development.
- Management: Neem oil application (30 ml/liter), spraying with Imidacloprid (0.5 ml/liter), and promoting natural enemies like lacewings and ladybugs.
2. Mango Mealybug (Dysmicoccus boninsis)
- Symptoms: White, cottony masses on leaves, stems, and fruits. Similar to hoppers, they cause sap-sucking and honeydew production, attracting sooty mold.
- Management: Application of systemic insecticides like Acephate (0.5 g/liter), biological control using Encarsia formosa (a parasitoid wasp), and oil-based sprays.
3. Fruit Fly (Bactrocera dorsalis)
- Symptoms: Small holes in the fruit surface, internal browning and rotting. Larvae feed within the fruit, rendering it unmarketable.
- Management: Attractant traps (methyl eugenol), fruit bagging, sanitation of fallen fruits, and application of Spinosad (0.5 g/liter). The Fruit Fly Monitoring and Control Programme is a government initiative to tackle this.
4. Mango Leaf Webbing Spider Mite (Oligonychus mangiferus)
- Symptoms: Yellowing and bronzing of leaves, webbing on the underside of leaves, and premature leaf fall.
- Management: Spraying with Miticides like Sulphur (80% WP) or Abamectin (0.5 ml/liter). Maintaining adequate moisture levels can also help.
Major Diseases of Mango
Mango trees are susceptible to various diseases, both fungal and viral. Key diseases and their management are detailed below:
1. Anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides)
- Symptoms: Circular, sunken lesions on fruits, leaves, and stems. Severe infections lead to fruit rot and premature defoliation.
- Management: Application of Copper-based fungicides (e.g., Copper oxychloride - 3 g/liter), Carbendazim (0.5 g/liter) as protective sprays. Pruning infected branches and ensuring good air circulation are crucial.
2. Powdery Mildew (Oidium mangiferae)
- Symptoms: White powdery growth on leaves, flowers, and young fruits. It reduces photosynthesis and weakens the plant.
- Management: Application of Sulphur (80% WP) or Tridemorph (0.1% EC) as preventive measures.
3. Panidhar (Diplocarpon mespili)
- Symptoms: Small, circular, yellow spots on leaves which later develop into orange-brown pustules containing spores. Severe infestation can cause defoliation.
- Management: Foliar sprays of Mancozeb (0.3%) or Chlorothalonil (0.2%) are effective. Pruning and destruction of infected leaves are also important.
4. Mango Malformation (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. mangiferae-indicae)
- Symptoms: Abnormal growth of flowers, resulting in witches’ brooms, fasciation, and distorted panicles.
- Management: There is no specific curative measure. Prevention through the use of disease-free budwood, systemic fungicides (e.g., Benomyl) during flowering, and soil treatment with formaldehyde are recommended.
| Pest/Disease | Symptoms | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Mango Hopper | Yellowing leaves, fruit blemishes | Neem oil, Imidacloprid |
| Anthracnose | Circular lesions on fruits and leaves | Copper-based fungicides, Carbendazim |
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plays a crucial role in sustainable mango cultivation. IPM involves a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical control methods to minimize pesticide use and protect the environment. The National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) promotes IPM practices in horticulture crops, including mango.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mango cultivation is vulnerable to a range of pests and diseases, each requiring specific management strategies. A holistic approach encompassing preventive measures, early detection, and integrated pest management practices is essential for minimizing losses and ensuring sustainable production. Continued research into disease-resistant varieties and biocontrol agents is crucial for enhancing mango farming's resilience in the face of climate change and evolving pest pressures. Farmer education and training on IPM techniques are also vital for successful implementation.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.