Mango leafhoppers
Damage
Both the nymphs and the adults feed on the plant sap of the flowers, leaves, tender shoots, and newly ormed fruitlets. They then suck out the liquid contents leaving behind the dead and empty cells which are small, white spots. The affected flower heads turn brown and dry up, and fruit setting is affected. Some damage may also occur through egg laying into the leaves and flower stems. Heavy feeding results to ‘hopperburn’ which is caused by the toxic effects of the insects’ saliva. It also causes mosaic virus disease as the pests are carriers of the virus.
Leafhoppers produce large amounts of a sugary liquid waste called honeydew. A fungus, called sooty mold, grows on honeydew deposits that accumulate on leaves and branches, turning leaves and branches black. The appearance of a sooty mold on plants is an indication of a leafhopper infestation.
Description
The eggs are laid inside the soft plant tissue on the underside of the leaves. They are elongate or curve, whitish to greenish, and about 0.9 mm long. Eggs hatch in about 10 days. The nymphs look similar to the adults but are very small, pale yellow-green, and wingless. They undergo five nymphal stages. Their cast skins usually remain on the lower surface of the leaf. Nymphs have the ability to walk sideways, forward
or backward at rapid paces. Adults are small, elongate, wedge-shaped insects about 3-4 mm long. They hop fast, fly quickly, and can run in all directions when disturbed, hence the name leafhopper. Many leafhoppers look alike but mango leafhoppers are brown in color.
Control measures
Plant extracts
Garlic oil spray
Neem oil spray
Garlic oil spray Method of preparation Chop finely 100 g of garlic. Soak the chopped garlic in mineral oil for a day. Add ½ liter and 10 ml of soap. Dilute filtrate with 10 liters of water. Constantly shake the container or stir the extract while in the process of the application to prevent oil from separating. Pests controlled Leafhoppers Imported cabbage worm Squash bugs Whiteflies |
Neem oil spray Method of preparation Add 30 ml of neem oil into 1 liter of soapy water. Constantly shake the container or stir the extract while in the process of application to prevent oil from separating. Pests controlled Flea beetles Gall midge Leafhoppers |
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