Managing mango leafhoppers and other associated species affected through systemic insecticides in mango orchards at Darwin, Australia

Qureshi, M.S. . Dept. of Resources; Thistleton, B. . Dept. of Resources; Syeda, S.A. . Dept. of Resources; Hearnden, M. . Dept. of Resources; Qureshi, M.H. . Agriculture Dept.

Managing mango leafhoppers and other associated species affected through systemic insecticides in mango orchards at Darwin, Australia

2011

Qureshi, M.S. (NT Government, Darwin (Australia). Dept. of Resources) | Thistleton, B. (NT Government, Darwin (Australia). Dept. of Resources) | Syeda, S.A. (NT Government, Darwin (Australia). Dept. of Resources) | Hearnden, M. (NT Government, Darwin (Australia). Dept. of Resources) | Qureshi, M.H. (Government of Sindh, Karachi (Pakistan). Agriculture Dept.)

The use of the systemic insecticides thiamethoxam (Actara) and imidacloprid (Confidor) has been previously shown to be an effective method in reducing the numbers of sap-sucking insects in mangoes. In this study, we tested the efficacy of thiamethoxam and imidacloprid against mango leafhoppers and other sap-sucking insects in mango orchards when applied as a soil drench. Pests include mango leafhoppers (MLHs), i.e. Idioscopus nitidulus (Walker), I. clypealis (Lethierry) and scale insects. Populations of nymphs and adults of mango leafhoppers (MLHs) and scale insects were significantly reduced by thiamethoxam and imidacloprid. No significant difference was observed in mango production except for the higher rate (12 g/tree) of thiamethoxam, where fruit number was significantly higher than all other treatments. The quality of mango was greatly enhanced when either insecticide was used as formic acid (from green ants) and sooty mould marks were observed less on both the fruits and leaves. This study suggests that the correct timing and dose of insecticides may improve the yield and quality of the mango fruits in an integrated pest management program.

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