Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Mango (Mangifera indica), often hailed as the "King of Fruits," holds immense economic and cultural significance in India, contributing significantly to the nation's agricultural economy. India is the largest producer of mangoes globally, accounting for over 50% of the world's production. However, mango cultivation faces considerable challenges due to a wide range of pests and diseases that can significantly reduce yield and quality. These biotic and abiotic stresses demand effective and sustainable management strategies to ensure the long-term viability of mango orchards. This response will outline the major pests and diseases affecting mango and the management measures to mitigate their impact.
Major Pests of Mango
Mango is vulnerable to a variety of pests, causing significant economic losses. Here's a breakdown of some key ones:
- Mango Hopper (Amrasatus rugosculus): This is a primary pest, particularly damaging to young shoots and flowers. It sucks sap, leading to stunted growth and flower drop.
- Fruit Fly (Bactrocera dorsalis): A major post-harvest pest, it lays eggs inside the fruit, causing rotting.
- Mealybug (Ferrisia coffeae): Infests leaves, shoots and fruits, causing honeydew secretion and sooty mold growth.
- Scale Insects (Aulacaspis yasumae): These sap-sucking insects form a protective covering on stems and leaves, hindering photosynthesis.
- Spider Mites (Oligonychus mangiferus): Cause bronze-like discoloration and leaf drop, especially during dry conditions.
Major Diseases of Mango
Mangoes are also susceptible to several diseases impacting yield and quality.
- Anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides): A fungal disease causing black spots on fruits, leaves, and stems. It's exacerbated by high humidity.
- Powdery Mildew (Oidium mangiferae): A fungal disease causing a white powdery coating on leaves and young shoots.
- Mango Malformation (Fusarium oxyosporum): A viral disease causing abnormal growth of flowers and panicles, resulting in reduced fruit set.
- Paniculate Blight (Venturia inequalis): Affects flowers and young fruits, causing blossom and fruit drop.
- Leaf Spot (Cercospora spp.): Causes brown spots on leaves, leading to defoliation.
Management Measures – An Integrated Approach (IPM)
Effective management requires an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, combining various strategies. A table summarizes these:
| Pest/Disease | Symptoms | Management Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Mango Hopper | Stunted growth, flower drop |
|
| Fruit Fly | Maggot infestation in fruits |
|
| Anthracnose | Black spots on fruits and leaves |
|
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating |
|
| Mango Malformation | Abnormal flower/panicle growth |
|
Preventive measures are crucial: These include selecting disease-resistant varieties, ensuring proper spacing for ventilation, maintaining soil health through balanced fertilization, and regular monitoring for early detection of pests and diseases. The National Horticulture Board and Agricultural Universities provide guidance and support to farmers.
Case Study: Integrated Pest Management in Maharashtra Mango Orchards
In Maharashtra, a state with significant mango production, the Department of Agriculture has implemented IPM programs. These programs involve farmer training on pest identification, biological control methods (using parasitoids and predators), and the judicious use of pesticides. The success has been measured by a reduction in pesticide usage by 30-40% and an increase in fruit yield by 15-20% in participating orchards. The program emphasizes awareness and capacity building amongst farmers.
Recent Developments
Recent research focuses on developing biopesticides derived from plant extracts and exploring the use of nanotechnology for targeted pesticide delivery, reducing environmental impact. The ICAR-National Research Centre for Mango in Dhenkanal, Odisha, plays a crucial role in research and development.
Conclusion
Mango cultivation faces persistent challenges from pests and diseases, impacting both yield and quality. An integrated pest management approach, incorporating preventive measures, biological control, and judicious use of pesticides, is essential for sustainable mango production. Farmer education, access to disease-resistant varieties, and continued research into innovative solutions like biopesticides are crucial for ensuring the long-term health and productivity of Indian mango orchards. Promoting sustainable practices will not only safeguard the environment but also enhance the economic viability of mango farming.
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.