Mango (Mangifera indica) called as a king of fruit and is the most important fruit crop of India. The pest like leaf cutting weevil (Deporaue marginatus), stem borer (Chlumetia transverse) are the major one attacking the newly prepared mango nursery. The freshly prepared grafts could be protected effectively by spraying 0.05 per cent endosulfan against leaf cutting weevil, 0.01 per cent fenvalerate, 0.02 per cent monocrotophos or 0.02 per cent quinalphos for the control of stem borer. Removal of shoot borer affected grafts/seedlings followed by spraying grafts/seedlings followed by spraying either 0.04 per cent monocrotophos, 0.05 dimethoate or 0.1 per cent carbaryl 50 WP is recommended for the effective control of shoot borer.

The nymphs and adults of mango hopper suck the cell sap from inflorescence and flower buds. During severe attack, the pest may destroy the entire crop. Whereas that of mealy bugs suck the cell sap from tender shoots, fruits, as well as roots. As a result, the shoots dry up and fruits remain undersised. Control measures include digging or ploughing repeatedly around the trees during summer to kill the pest by exposing them to sun’s heat, ants and birds.

Adult of stem borer do not cause any severe damage but grubs cause maximum damage particularly in neglected orchards by tunneling inside the main trunk and branches. The branches show signs of wilting and masses’ of refuse/excreta exude from the bored holes. When the root of trunk is damaged the entire tree may die. It can be controlled by injecting borer solution containing two parts of carbon disulfide and one part of chloroform: cresote mixture (1:1) with an injecting syringe.

Grubs of stone weevil enter into the stone of the mango fruit and feed on the internal contents. As a result, the fruit pulp adjacent to the stone get discoloured. It is a major problem in export of mangoes. Thotapuri variety is the most susceptible one and is damaged severely every year. The parthenocarpic hybrid variety Sindhu is totally resistant to the pest. Disposal of fallen fruits would help to reduce the pest infestation.

Fruit fly maggots feed on the pulp of the fruits. Brownish rotten patches develop on the fruits as a result and such fruits fall down. The late maturing varieties are affected severely by fruit fly. Sanitation in the orchard is the most important preventive measure for fruit fly infection. Collection and destruction of fallen fruits would help to reduce pest infestation. Bagging of fruits with cloth or paper bag may be applicable.

Chemical traps containing citronella oil (10 drops in 0.5-litre water) is found to be useful to reduce the pest incidence. Three sprays of 0.1 per cent fenthion or malathion at monthly intervals starting from one and a half months after fruit set helps in reducing the pest. Chemical traps containing methyl eugenol has been successfully used.

Termites remain underground and feed on the roots and then move upwards making the trunks completely hollow or construct earthen galleries on tree trunks and feed on the bark. Control measures include destruction of termitoria along with the queen. Painting the trees with tar and prompt removal of the galleries as soon as they appear may be carried out regularly. Fumigation with EDCT mixture, cynogas dust or petrol, soil application of 5 % aldrin/chlordane/heptachlor dust (200 to 300 g per tree) will effectively control the termites.

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