India has been traditionally the major producer of mango in the world, yet it occupies only fourth position in the world export market of mango, Philippines being the first. We have got two excellent mango varieties with high export quality. These varieties are Dashehari, grown in north and Alphonso in south India. Still, we lag far behind in the world export market because our mango production is beset with several problems; such as insect pests, diseases and physiological disorders being major ones. These constraint, not only reduce our total production but also badly hamper the fruit quality. Therefore, to obtain higher mango production, utmost attention must be given to solve these problems. One of the major diseases which affects the fruit is Leaf hopper. This is also known as Aam ka chenpa, pharka, Iassi, thala, tela, etc. in different parts of India. This pest is prevalent during the flowering season, when it multiplies in large number and proves devastating to the crops. Due to recurrent annual damage by hopper some orchards fail altogether to blossom. The damage is caused by both adult hoppers and their nymphs which suck the sap of new shoots, buds and flowers resulting in drying of the entire inflorescence and even small fruits. Nymphs cause more damage than the adults. They also secrete a gelatinous substance called honey dew which interferes with the respiration process of leaves.
The heavy infestation of pest usually occurs periodically after every three or four years and that is why the pest is known as the periodic insect pest attack starts from end of March arid continues till the end of June. The old trees arc more intensively damaged than the newly planted ones.
Control
1. The plants should be planted at a proper distance and old orchard should be open to maximum sunlight by giving proper pruning to the trees.
2. The pest can be satisfactorily controlled by spraying DDT @ 2.5 g in 1 litre water on the infested trees during February and March with the help of a suitable power sprayer which can spray upto 7.5 to 9 metres. Spraying with 0.05% Malathion i.e. (500 mg in 1 litre water) (50% Malathion plus 50% Chlordane) or Carbaryl 50% W.P. is also effective against this insect.
