Integrated Pest Management

Mangoes are prone to insect infestation and disease infection at any stage of their development. Without
proper pest management program, quality fruits may not be produced.

The current control measures for pests’ attacking mango still relies on the use of pesticides. Most
insecticides and fungicides are applied as calendar spray in an excessive manner resulting to pest
resistance, elevation of minor pests to major ones, destruction of natural enemies and contamination of
environment. In addition, pesticides are expensive and have caused in increased production inputs.

Many of these problems can be minimized though Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This involves
these of alternative measures in combination, to minimize pests.

The IPM strategies make use of cultural management (pruning, cultivation, sanitation, proper nutrition to
enhance vigor and fruit bagging) conservation of beneficial insects (pollinators and bio-con agents) and
proper pesticide management.

This brochure on IPM for mango production emphasizes prevention of pests through destruction of
source and prevention of its spread.

INSECTS

Circular-white back borer

Common names:    Circular-white back borer,

                               Leaf cutting beetle

Scientific name:      Callimetropus sp

Parts Affected:        Young twigs and terminal leaves

Destructive stages: Adults and larvae

Description:           This is a long-horned beetle and has very similar habits to the twig borer/cutter. The
adult scrapes the bark of young twigs causing the death of terminal parts. The insect is easily identified by
the circular white mark on the back of its body. Aside from destroyingthe twigs, the insect also cut the
leaves of mango especially those on the tips of the shoots, hence, the name of “leaf cutting beetle”. Pile
of cut leaves on the ground is a common indication of the presence of the insects.

Prevention/control

Like the twig borer, adults of the circular white-back borer are attracted to young leaves of mango or
flushes for egg laying. Insecticides recommended for a twig borer infestation can also be used to protect
trees from circular white back infestation. To prevent or minimize damage, spray the whole canopy with
Karate at 1 ½ tbsp per 16 L water. Repeat application after one month, especially during flushing. Other
pyrithroids can be used.

Green beetle
Scientific name:      Anomala sp.

Common names:    Green beetle and Toy beetle

Alternate hosts:      Santol, avocado, coconut, cashew etc.

Destructive stage:  Adults

Parts affected:         Mainly leaves and sometimes flowers and fruits

Description: Adults are metallic green. They feed mainly on the leaves and occasionally on the flowers of
mango. these insects also attack young fruits by chewing bits and pieces of the peel or skin, particularly
near the fruit stalk.

Prevention/control
 Remove the adults from the tree by shaking the branches and spray insecticide.
 Adults are attracted to light; hence, light trapping is an effective control measure.
 Avoid piling compost or other organic matter near mango trees since these are
preferred sites for egg-laying.

Mango cecid fly

Scientific name:      Procantarinia sp.

Common names:    Leaf gall midge, Gall fly and Mango leaf gall

Parts affected:         Leaves and fruits

Destructive stage:  larvae, adult

Description: Adults which are mosquito-like in appearance prefer to lay eggs on new
flushes (young leaves). The larvae, which develop from eggs, mine the leaves
producing galls or swelling tissues. Under heavy infestations, the leaves wrinkle and
remain yellow. Close examination of the leaves shows dark green, circular galls
randomly distributed on the leaves blade. When open, each gall contains yellow larvae
of the cecid fly. When the adults emerged from this galls, the leaves produce circular
spots or holes which are sometimes mistaken as fungal infections (anthrac nose). The
latter, is however, irregular in shape.

While the damage of cecid fly is usually associated with galling of young leaves,
infested fruits produce circular, brown to black, scab-like spots randomly distributed on
the fruit surface. This damage is commonly called “buti”, armalite, and kurikong
’and‘saksak walis’ by growers the water –soaked spots with contains small, yellow
larvae. Infested fruits retain the scabby lesions at harvest affecting their quality.

Prevention/control
 Orchard sanitation is important. Clear weedy areas since adults prefer to stay on
these plants.
 Young leaves are very attractive for egg laying. Spraying Sevin, Decis, Karate,
and Stingray (3 to 4 tbsp per 16 L of water) will minimize damage. Spray insecticides
in the afternoon, preferably 5:00 to 6:00 pm.
 Prune crowded branches (particularly irregular branches) to allow light
penetration.
 Bag the fruits 55 to 60 days after flower induction.
Mango thrips
Scientific name:      Scitothrips dorsalis (Giard)

                                    Selenothrips rubocinctus (Giard)

Common names:    Mango thrips, Red-banded thrips

Destructive stage:  Nymphs and adults

Parts affected:         leaves and flowers

Description: Mango thrips are small insects with “fringe” wings. These are occasional
insect pests of mango but maybe destructive in some areas. Adults and nymphs destroy
the leaves by scrapping the surface and feeding on the plant sap. Affected leaves
develop brown areas, and later dry up and fall to the ground. Burning effect on flowers
is a common damage of thrip injury.

Prevention/control

Both young and adults insects are sensitive to light. Prune crowded branches to allow
light penetration, which create an environment less favorable for their development.
Many insecticides are effective in the control of thrips, provided these are sprayed in
fine mist and sprayed underneath the leaves where they hide.

Mealybugs
Scientific name:      Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell)

                                    Planococcus lilacinus (Cockerell)

Common names:    Grey mealy bug and Cottony cushion mealybug

Alternate hosts:      Many ornamental plants and fruit trees.

Destructive stage:  Nymphs and adults

Parts affected:         leaves, flowers and fruits

Description: Mealybugs (white, cottony insects) feed on leaves, especially on the

flushes by sucking the plant sap. Affected parts turn yellow, dry up, and eventually fall.
Mealybugs also excrete a sticky fluid known as “honey dew” where the sooty molds
grow. The latter covers the leaf area producing black papery film on the surface. Sooty
molds affect the photosynthetic activity of the leaves.

Both adults and nymphs attack the flowers by feeding on the base, gradually moving up
to cover the entire flower. The flowers dry up and drop off prematurely. The “honey dew”
produced by mealy bugs attracts red ants and serves as medium for the growth of sooty
molds.

Both adults and immature insects congregate on the stalk before moving to the lower
portions of the fruit. Excessive feeding of the sap damages the stalk and result to fruit
drop. On the fruit surface, the insect secretes “honey dew” from which sooty molds
develop. This spoils the appearance of the fruit. At harvest, mealy bugs can persist on
the fruit affecting quality. It can attract ants that are cumbersome during harvest.

Prevention/control
 Pruning creates an environment that is not favorable for the growth of mealy
bugs.
 Like scale insects, mealy bugs have symbiotic relationship with red ants. Mealy
bugs and scale insects provide food for the red ants through their excreta (honey
dew). In return, ants offer protection and distribute to insect to the different part of the
tree. Spray the red ants with Malathion (1 ½ to 3 tbsp per 16 L water), decis (1 to 5
tbsp per 16 L water), and karate (3/4 to 1 ½ tbsp per 16 L water) to prevent the spread
of mealy bugs.
 Bag the fruits at 55 to 60 days after induction to prevent damage from mealy
bugs. The paper bag should be closed properly at all sides and should remain intact
up to harvest.

June beetle
Scientific name:      Leucopholis irrorata (chevrolat)

Common names:    toy beetle, June beetle

Alternate hosts:      Santol, avocado, Cashew, Coconut, and many other fruit trees

Destructive stage:  Larva and adult

Parts affected:         Roots, leaves and sometimes flowers

Description: The adults are brown ans are easily dropped down when foliage are
shaken. They feed extensively on the leaves, leaving only the midrib. The larvae (grubs)
feed on the roots. The insect gets into the root system from infested organic matter,
affected plant wilts and if uprooted, small, curved larvae can be seen feeding on the
roots.

Prevention/control
 Before applying the organic matter as fertilizer for mango, dry it thoroughly to kill
the eggs of the beetle.
 Granular insecticide like Furadon can be applied in the soil to kill the larvae.
 Adults can be controlled by spray application of insecticide.
Scale insect
Important species recorded on mangoes:

                                    Oriental scale: Aonidiella orientalis (Newstead)

                                    Tropical scale: Hemiberlesia palmae (Cockerell)

Alternate hosts:      Several fruit trees

Destructive stage:  Adults, nymphs (crawlers)

Parts affected:         Almost all parts of mango particularly twigs, branches, leaves and
fruits

Description: Scale insects are usually circular in form with scale-like appearance. In the
nursery, leaves of grafted mangoes are readily infested with scale insects, causing them
to dry and fall. On bearing trees, high population of scale insects cause blackening of
the canopy due to growth of fungus “sooty mold” which develops from their excreta
(honey dew). Affected leaves are covered with a thin, black, papery film which produces
unsightly appearance. Moreover, the photosynthetic activity (food production) of the
leaves is reduced considerably. The branches and twigs of mango are susceptible to
attack of scale insects. While feeding, they inject toxic substances into the tissues which
result in the production of galls (bulging of twigs) and distortions of affected parts.
Damaged portions fail to heal or recover.

Prevention/control
 Young scale insects are carried and distributed by red ants to different parts of
the tree. To prevent spread, ants should be destroyed by spray application (Please
see Annex for suggested control measures.)
 Prune regularly to remove unhealthy and crowded branches.
 Bag the fruits at 55 to 60 days after induction to prevent damage from scale
insects. Seal the paper bag properly at all sides and let it remain intact up to harvest.
 Use clean planting materials free from any infestation.
 Trees which are sickly and crowded are susceptible to scale insect attack.
 Under severe attack, prune affected parts, spray insecticide with sticker, fertilize
and irrigate.

Termite
Scientific name:      Macrotermes gilvus (Hagen)

Common names:    White ants, termite

Alternate hosts:      Several fruit trees

Destructive stage:  Adults and immature

Parts affected:         Roots, trunks and branches

Description: Similar to ants but have soft bodies and are whitish in color. Termites
construct earthen tunnels visible near damaged plant parts. The barks may be partly or
fully eaten. Termites multiply very fast and are capable of destroying the entire tree.
After damaging the roots, termites go up the trunk through earthen tunnels. The workers
feed on the bark and underlying tissues. Parts affected are partially or totally destroyed.

Prevention/control
 Paint or brush the trunk with used diesel oil to discourage the movement of
termites from soil to the upper parts of the tree.
 Prune crowded branches to allow light penetration. This will provide unfavorable
environment for the multiplication of the insect. Termites have soft bodies and die
upon exposure to sunlight.
 Insecticides can be sprayed to control termites. Be sure to destroy the earthen
tunnels before applying insecticides.
 For termite mounds, make a hole on one side, deep enough to reach the nest
and pour kerosene.

Mango leafhopper
Scientific name:      Idioscopus clypealis (Lethierry)

Common names:    Blossom leafhopper, Mango leafhopper

Parts affected:         Leaves, flowers and young fruits

Destructive stage:  Nymphs and adults

Description: Adults are brown to gray with wedge-shaped body. Head is distinct with
protruding eyes on the side. Nymphs are smaller, light brown and have no wings.

Nymphs and adults damage the flowers by piercing the tissues and sucking the plant
sap which causes withering, drying and falling of individual flowers. Under severe
infestation, no fruit develops. The insects excretes fluid called “honey dew”, an excellent
medium for development of the fungus, “sooty mold”, which interferes with the
photosynthetic activity of the leaves. It also disturbs flower fertilization and spoils the
appearance of fruits. Under high insect population, the entire canopy is covered with
sooty mold with the leaves and flowers turning black.

Prevention/control
 Since hopper population is expected to be high in summer, early induction of
mango trees (September, October and November) will minimize hopper problems in
the field.
  Use light traps during early stages of flower development to attract and kill adults
which are ready to lay eggs. To install a light trap, hang the source of light (electric
bulb or kerosene operated lamp) on the tree. Place a basin containing a mixture of
soap and water (1:10) underneath the light. Hoppers which are attracted to the light
are drowned in the solution. One light trap is required per hectare of mango plantation.
 Prune crowded branches to discourage hoppers from staying in the tree. Pruning
allows good light penetration and makes the habitat unfavorable for hopper
development.
 Spray insecticide directed to the nymphal stages rather than the adults, hence,
detection of this stage is important. (Please see Annex for suggested control
measures)

Mango tipborer
Scientific name:      Chlumetia transversa (Walker)

Common names:    Tipborer, shoot borer

Alternate hosts:      Cashew, Guava

Destructive stage:  Larva

Parts affected:         Young shoots and flowers

Description: While mango tipborer is a common problem on young shoots, the insect is
also observed to destroy early flowers. Newly-developed flowers are damaged entirely
while mature flowers are cut into half, with the upper portion being destroyed. The insect
is becoming a serious problem of mango flowers, especially during early induction.

Prevention/control

The adult destroys flowers from bud emergence to elongation. Hence, early spraying of
insecticides is necessary to protect these stages especially during summer. Insecticides
recommended for hopper control will also protect the flowers of mango from tip borer
infestation. If infestation is minimal, cut affected portion. (Please see Annex for
suggested control measures)

Tent caterpillar
Scientific name:      Orthaga melanoperalis  (Hampson)

Common names:    Web worm

Alternate hosts:      Cashew

Destructive stage of the pest:     Larvae

Parts affected:         Leaves and flowers

Description: The insect is destructive to mango leaves. However, when flowers are
present, these are also destroyed by the larvae which secrete a web-like structure and
feed on individual flowers.

Prevention/control
 Prune crowded branches and damaged leaves.
 Control infestation on the foliage by insecticidal spray to prevent transfer of the
insect to the flowers during the productive stage.

Mango fruit fly

Scientific name:      Bactrocera philippinensis sp. n.  And

Bactrocera accipitalis   (Bezzi)

Common names:    Mango fruit fly

Alternate hosts:      Guava, Santol, Sineguelas, Starfruit, Guyabano, Chico, Papaya,

Passion fruit, Macopa

Parts affected:         Fruits

Destructive stage:  Adults and larvae

Description: Damage on fruits starts during egg-laying of adult that resembles colorful
housefly. Fresh punctures may not be readily recognized until after 3 to 5 days when
soft brownish spots appear on the skin and the underlying tissues start to spoil. The
larvae cause the major problem since continuous feeding destroys large portions of the
flesh. Breakdown of tissues makes the mango fruits unsuitable for consumption. In the
field, infested fruits drop to the ground and decay. Under severe infestation, as much as
70 percent of the crop is damaged.

 Prevention/control
 Collect and bury fruit droppings at least half a meter below the ground to prevent
the development of the insect.
 Avoid bruising of fruits during spraying since damaged fruits are susceptible to
fruit fly attack.
 Bag the fruits using newsprint at 55 to 60 days after induction (chicken egg size)
to minimize damage from fruit fly. (Please see Annex for suggested control measures)
 Avoid planting papaya, guava, sineguelas or santol as intercrops for mango since
these fruits are preferred hosts of the insect. On the other hand, cashew and
calamansi are less preferred.
 Spray the insecticides at 90 to 105 days after induction since fruits at these
stages are attractive for egg laying. Recommended insecticides to prevent fruit fly
infestation are Baythroid (1 to 1 ½ tbsp per 16 L water), Karate (3/4 to 1 ½ tbsp per 16
 L water) and Decis (1 to 5 tbsp per 16 L water). Last spraying should at least be 15
days from harvest. (See annex for recommended control measures)

Mango seedborer
Scientific name:      Noorda albizonalis (Hampson)

Common names:    Red-ringed mango caterpillar,

Red boring caterpillar, Fruit boring caterpillar, Mango fruit borer and Mango seed borer

Parts affected:         Fruits and seeds of mango

Destructive stage of the pest: larvae

Description:  Unlike the fruit fly which feeds mainly on the flesh, the mango seed borer
consumes both the flesh and seed. Damage starts when the newly-hatched larvae enter
the fruit by boring holes through the apex or the narrow tip of the fruit. As the larvae
develop, they feed on the tissues beneath the skin. The damaged area later collapses
causing the apex to burst and the fruits eventually fall to the ground.

Serious damage is brought about by the destruction of the seed, since a single larva is
capable of consuming the entire mango seed in a short period of time.

Prevention/control
 Pick the fruits showing damage. Otherwise, larvae will transfer and destroy
adjacent healthy fruits.
 Collect and dispose infested fruits on the ground by burying them to prevent the
insect from completing its life cycle.
 Bag the fruits with newsprints a 55 to 60 days after the induction will also
minimize damage of the borer.
 Adults can be controlled by spray application of insecticide in the afternoon.
(Please see Annex for suggested control measure)

Mango pulp weevil

Scientific name:      Sternochetus frigidus (Fabricius)

Common names:    Pulp weevil

Parts affected:         Flesh or pulp of the fruit

Destructive stage: Adult andlarvae

Description:  adults lay their eggs on young fruits while the larvae feed on the flesh.
Affected fruits fall to the ground. Damage is not visible externally. However, inner
tissues are destroyed by the feeding larvae. The pest is found in Palawan which
resulted to the quarantine of the province.

Prevention/control
 Adults stay away from light. Pruning is a practical means to discourage
movement of insect to mango trees.
 Collect and properly dispose dropped fruit by burying them half a meter below
the ground to prevent the insect from completing its life cycle.
 Bag the fruits at 55 to 60 days after induction.
 Several pyrethroids can be sprayed to control pests.
 Do not allow other mango varieties to flower since they serve as alternate host of
the pest.

Twig cutter/borer
Scientific name:      Niphonoclea albata (Newman) and N.capito (Pascoe)

Common names:    Twig borer (old); Twig cutter (new)

Parts affected:         Branches and twigs

Destructive stage: Adult andlarvae

Description:  Before laying eggs, the adult cuts or girdles the branch/twig. This is done
by nipping the branch halfway, then turning around to make another cut just as deep as,
but slightly lower, than the first cut. Affected parts fail to transport nutrients and water
causing the terminal leaves to dry up. Dried leaves on the tress canopy are a common
sign of twig borer infestation.

Prevention/control
 Avoid planting corn as intercrop for mango.
 Under brushing of surrounding areas (grasses, creeping vines, etc.) is
recommended since these plants serve as habitat for the adult insect.
 The insect can be controlled by spraying insecticide.

Mango trunk borer

Scientific name:      Plocaederus sp (Guerin)

Common names:    Mango bark borer

Parts affected:         Cashew

Destructive stage:  Larva and adult

Description:  The insect belongs to the family of the long-horned beetle. Damage is
done by adults who bore holes into the trunk during egg laying. Larvae which develop,
feed on inner wood. Water and nutrients are prevented from going up the tree, depriving
the leaves and twigs of nourishment. Affected parts dry up and eventually die. Damage
is pronounced on neglected and abandoned trees.

Prevention/control
 Trees with poor growth are easily attacked and damaged by the mango trunk
borer. Hence, application of fertilizer and proper pruning are necessary. Yearly
application of 3 to 5kg complete fertilizer is recommended to improve vigor.
 Crowded branches should be pruned to provide good light penetration and air
circulation within the canopy.
 Infected parts should be removed and burned.

Helopeltis/capsid bug
Scientific name:      Helopeltis sp.

Common names:    Capsid bug

                                    Tea mosquito

Parts affected:         Cacao, guava and Cashew

Destructive stage:  Leaves and fruits

Description:  the adult is a medium-sized bug, black in color with orange marking in the
thorax. It is a sucking insect and feeds on young leaves and fruits.

Affected leaves shows dark brown, irregular spots that result in the wrinkling of leaf and
blade. On fruits, corky raised irregular brown spots resembling scab-like damage is
prominent. Unlike damage of cecid fly, the damage from capsid bug is characterized by
spots which are irregular and dry.

This is a result of a substance in the saliva, introduced in the tissue during feeding. The
damage is also known as ‘kurikong’, or ‘armalite’.

Prevention/control
 Spray insecticide on young flushes.
(See Annex for suggested control measure)

 Prune for field sanitation purposes

 Bag fruits
 If insecticides are to be sprayed, apply these in the afternoon.
 

DISEASES
Anthracnose

Causal organism: Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz

Parts affected:         Leaves, flowers and Fruits

Description:             Considered as the most seriousfungal disease of mango in the

Philippines, anthracnose occurs in all mango growing areas. It attacks the different parts
of the tree, but major damage occurs at flowering and after harvest. It is serious during
the wet seasons and usually occurs as a post harvest disease of mango fruits.

The disease is characterized by the appearance of tiny spots on the leaves. These later
enlarge to form discrete, rounded or angular spots which come together to form large,
irregular shaped-patches with light brown to black spots. However, during advance
stage of the disease, the spots give way and produce “shot hole” appearing in various
shapes and sizes. This must be differentiated from the “shot holes” produced by the
cecid fly which are small and circular.

Anthracnose is the most devastating disease of mango flowers, especially when

induction is done early in season (August to October). The presence of rain and high
humidity favors the development of disease, thus, the flowers are easily infected.
Common signs of the disease are black streaks on the main stalks and branches of the
flower, which later become large, black patches. Under severe infection, entire flowers
turn black and fail to develop.

Young fruits are also affected and fall prematurely. Symptoms are, however, not visible
since the fungus does not have proper condition for development (hard and acidic
fruits). After harvest, when fruits start to ripen, the fungus is reactivated and spread over
the surface (latent infection)

Early symptoms of the disease are black, pin-pricked lesions. Later, the lesions form
bigger black spots, until the whole fruit is covered. The disease is most serious during
wet seasons and usually occurs as important post-harvest disease of mango fruits.

Prevention/control for leaves

As a fungal disease, the development and spread of anthracnose are facilitated by high
relative humidity within the tree canopy. Young leaves are susceptible to the disease.

 Prune crowded branches to allow light penetration and good air circulation that
will create an environment unfavorable for disease development.
 Remove dead and diseased branches to reduce the source/reservoir of fungal
spores.
 Ring cultivation can lessen humidity underneath the trees, which discourage
germination of spores.
Prevention/control for flowers
 Prune after harvest to increase ventilation and reduce humidity inside the
canopy.
 Collect and burn trashes to reduce sources of disease inocula.
 Some farmers practice shaking of branches after blooming to remove morning
dew deposited on the flowers. By doing so, the relative humidity is reduced and male
flowers are eliminated, providing enough space for development of hermaphrodite
flowers which produce fruits after pollination.
 Several chemicals such as Benlate (1 to 2 tbsp per 16 L water). Maneb (4 to 6
tbsp per 16 L water), Dithane (4 to 7 ½ tbsp per 16 L water), and Manzate (½ tbsp per
20 L water) have given varying degree of protection for flowers against anthracnose.
These are applied singly or in combination in a sequential spray program. It is also
suggested to incorporate any of these fungicides in the flower inducers, especially
when flower induction is done early in season. (Please also see Annex for other
suggested control measures)

Prevention/control for fruits

 Apply protectant fungicides such as Daconil (1/2 tbsp per 16 L water), Manzate
(1/2 tbsp per 16 L water), Dithane (4 to 7 ½ tbsp per 16 L water), a week after bud
break, at fruit set and 20 days before harvest. (Please also see Annex for other
suggested control measures)
 Bagging of fruits at 60 days after flower induction can minimize the problem.
 Hot water treatment (HWT) by dipping newly harvested fruits in heated water (52
to 55°C) for 10 minutes, followed by hydro-cooling and air drying.

Die-back
Causal organism: Colletotrichum
                              Gloeosporioidez (Penz)

Parts affected:        Terminal shoots

Description:            The symptoms are discoloration and darkening of the twig at some
distance from the tip. As the disease advances, the twig withers, dropping it leaves.
Dead twigs are often seen protruding from the tree canopy like “sticks” devoid of leaves.
When split often, the twigs show internal discoloration with gummy sap. Blackening of
the twigs is associated with the presence of the fungus.

Prevention/control

The fungus multiplies in crowded and shady canopies. To minimize fungal infection,
prune to make the environment less favorable for their growth and spray fungicide.

Gummosis
Causal organism: Phytophthora palmivora Butl
Common names:   Crown rot, Root rots

Parts affected:        Trunk, branches

Description:            The disease occurs during both wet and dry seasons causing slow
death of mangoes. In seedling stage, infection starts from the roots while in the nursery.
In bigger trees, infections extend from the trunk upward and laterally to the branches,
where early symptoms are manifested. In seedlings, infection results in root rot, while
on big trees, infection is largely confined to the bark with profuse gumming/bleeding.
When scraped, the affected part is brown in contrast to green healthy tissues.

Water soaked lesions first appear, followed by ruptures. Latex or gummy sap comes out
and hardens to form short colored strips along trunk and branches of the affected area.
Affected parts become watery and rot. The whole tree sheds leaves and later dies.

Prevention/control

·         Since the fungus is soil inhabiting, sterilize the potting media by pouring boiling
water to reduce the source of infection before bagging the seedlings.

·         Field planning is recommended in well drained soil (avoid water logged areas)

·         Tree spacing of less than 10x10 m apart should be discouraged.

·         Avoid root and trunk injuries during cultivation.

·         Fungicide can be applied as ‘slurry’ over the affected parts. This is done by
mixing the fungicide in water to form a ‘paste’. The later is applied to affected areas.

Seedling wilt
Causal organism:  Pythium sp and other soil-borne fungi

Common names:   Seedling wilt

Parts affected:        Roots and young stem

Description:             Considered a serious disease of seedlings grown in plastic bags.

The disease is caused by overcrowding, too much shading, and excessive watering.
Leaves become dull. Light green with brownish spots near the base. Within a few days,
the leaves bend downward, curl, and die. Infected seedlings shoe excessive decay of
roots.

Prevention/control
  Use sterile soil media. This is prepared by cooking the soil in a half-drum
container for 1 to 2 hours or by pouring boiling water on it before bagging the
seedlings.
 Avoid arranging grafts too closely in the nursery. Early sunlight should reach the
plants through partial shading.
 Water only when necessary
 Remove infected plants from healthy ones to prevent further spread of the
sisease.

Scab
Causal organism:  Elsinoe mangiferae (Brit and Jenkins)

Common names:   Scab

Parts affected:        Flowers and Fruits

Description:            The disease is more prominent on fruits as compared to leaves and

flowers. Young fruits are susceptible to scab and fall to the ground. When examined,
irregular, raised corky structures are present on the surface. During rainy days, the scab
becomes dark brown but remain light brown during the dry months. On mature fruits,
the scabby lesions remain very distinct and persist after harvest affecting quality.

Prevention/control

·         Like anthracnose, scab produces spores which remain dormant on dead
twigs/branches and trashes below the tree. Prune and collect dead leaves and
branches and burn them.

·         Apply protectant fungicides a week after bed break, fruit setting and during fruit
enlargement. (Please see Annex for suggested control measures)

·         Avoid mechanical injuries during harvesting

·         Bagging of fruits at 55 to 60 days after induction is a practical way of preventing

damage and reduce incidence of scab in the field. Seal the paper bag properly at all
sides and let it remain intact up to harvest.

Sooty molds 
Causal organism:  genus-tripospermum, Limaculina, Trichopelteca,
Chaetothyrium,Capnodendron and Polychaeton

Parts affected:        Flowers and Fruits

Description:             Sooty mold is caused by a fungus which grows andobtains its
nourishment from ‘honey dew’ excreted by sucking insects like leafhoppers, scales, and
mealy bugs. Although no direct damage is done to the plant, the photosynthetic activity
of the leaves is adversely affected. Thus, the trees bear fruits poorly and show a
general reduction in vigor. The fungus grows as a thin, black papery film on the surface
of the leaves.

The disease develops on the leaf surface as black, papery film especially in areas
where honey dew deposits are present. Unlike anthracnose which covers the entire
flowers, sooty mold development is randomly distributed on the different parts of the
flowers. Affected fruits have a dirty appearance.

Prevention/control
 The disease develops from excreta (honey dew) deposited on the leaves by
sucking insects like mango leaf hoppers, scales, and mealy bugs. A practical
approach to prevent the occurrence of sooty mold is to destroy the sucking insects by
spray application of recommended insecticides such as Malathion (1 ½ to 3 tbsp per
16 L water), Decis (1 to 5 tbsp per 16 L water), or Karate (3/4 to 1 ½ tbsp per 16 L
water)
 Prune infected branches
 Bag the fruits to minimize infection of sooty mold
 Hot water treatment has been found to facilitate cleaning of fruits affected by the
disease, provided it is treated immediately after harvest.

Stem end rot

Causal organism:  Dothiorella dominicana (Dd)

Common names:   Stem end rot, DSER

Parts affected:        Fruits

Description:             The disease is considered next to anthracnose in importance and is

responsible for about 2-6 percent of storage and transit rots of mango.

The disease is characterized by appearance of dark discoloration near the fruit stalk
(pedicel). Under warm and moist conditions, the infected area extends towards the end
of the fruit. Later, the symptom turns from dark brown to purplish-black and the tissues
become soft and watery. The disease produces soft rot in contrast to the hard rot
produced by anthracnose.

Prevention/control
 Remove and burn primary sources of the disease such as dead twigs, barks and
other trashes.
 Since high incidence of stem-end rot occurs on fruits without stalks, harvest the
fruits with about 1.0 to 2.0 cm of the stalk attached.
 The pre-harvest sprays of fungicides recommended for anthracnose can also be
used to prevent stem-end rot.
 Avoid the use of organic materials as liners for mango during packaging
OTHER PESTS
Parasitic flowering plants
Scientific name:      Family: Loranthaceae

Common names:    Parasitic plants

                                    Phanerogamic parasites

Alternate hosts:      Many shade trees and fruit trees

Parts affected:         Branches and twigs

Destructive stage:  All stages of development

Description:             Parasitic plants grow on branches of mango trees to obtain nutrient
and water. Affected parts are starved, decay, and eventually die

Prevention/control
 Prune crowded branches for good light penetration to discourage the growth of
parasitic plants
 Avoid planting the trees too close (less than 10x10 m) to prevent in the later
years.
 One percent herbicide has shown to control these parasitic plants. Direct spray
on the parasitic plant is recommended to prevent herbicide injury to mango

Mango gallmite
Scientific name:      Unidentified

Common names:    Mango galls, gall mite

Parts affected:         Leaves

Description:             The pest is not an insect, but a small mite related to spiders. Mites
feed on both young and old leaves which result in the production of galls. The damage
is similarly observed in the leaves of ‘Bangkok’ santol. Affected leaves produce galls,
curl and photosynthetic activity is reduced. During heavy infestation, growth is stunted.
The problem is confined to Mindanao, particularly in Davao and Cotabato.

Prevention/control
 Avoid planting ‘Bangkok’ santol as intercrop for mango since the leaves are very
susceptible to mite infestation
 Prune affected parts
 Acaricides are sprayed to control mites
Rat
Scientific name:      Rattus argentiventer, R. mindanensis (Mearns)

Common names:    field rat, rice land rats

Alternate hosts:      Rice, corn, grains and fruit trees

Destructive stage:  Both young and adult stages

Parts affected:         Stems of newly planted trees and occasionally, fruits

Description:             Newly planted trees are attractive to rats, especially when rice or
corn fields are vacant. Rats prefer to eat or chew stems of mango resulting to cutting of
young plants. As high as 12 percent damage have been reported in the field. In some
instances, fruits about to be harvested are also destroyed by rats.

Prevention/control
 Cut down and remove weeds in surrounding areas. This will reduce shelter and
burrowing sites
 Avoid planting rice and corn as intercrops for mango, especially in rat infested
areas
 Rats can be controlled by baits made of rice bran and rodenticide

FRUIT ABNORMALITIES

BIOKO

Description: a common complaint among growers is the abnormal development of fruits

despite good management. Those affected remain small, round and green at harvest. In
the Visayas, this abnormality is called ‘Bioko’, in Luzon, ‘ Paninglon’. Bioko can affect 2
to 10 percent of the total fruit production. The cause(s) of this problem is not known
although there are speculations that is associated with lack of micro-elements, lack of
water during fruit development and side effects of chemicals particularly insecticides.
Some growers value the fruits because they command high price in the market and are
believed to have aphdisiac properties.

Prevention/control
 Apply foliar fertilizers containing micro-elements like zinc, boron, magnesium,
and copper. Spray at 42 to 45 days induction and 3 to 4 weeks later. The following
foliar sprays are recommended for mango: Albatros (1 ½ to 2 tbsp per 4 L water),
Nutraphos (4 tbsp per 16 L water), Wokozin (1 to 2 ml per L), Crop giant (4 tbsp per L)
and Agrowel (2 to 3 tbsp per gallon).
 Apply water during fruit development at 15 day intervals and stop irrigation one
month before harvest.
KASOY-KASOY

Description: ‘Bioko’ fruits are round and green. However, sometimes fruits are
malformed and curved, resembling a cashew seed. These symptoms are referred to as
‘Kasoy-kasoy’. Commonly, the fruits split on the curved side and the tips are usually
yellow in color. Fruits produced on the tips of the flowers usually exhibit the symptom.
Kasoy-kasoy fruits do not grow big and fall to the ground prematurely.

There are indications to show that this problem is associated with parthenocarpy, a
process of fruit development without fertilization. This happens when pollination does
not occur because of the absence of flies, bees, ants etc. however, other factors such
as lack of water and nutrients have to be considered.

Prevention/control
 Avoid spraying insecticides during full bloom to protect insect pollinators (flies,
wasp, bees, ants etc.)
 Maintain flowering plants in the orchard as source of food for pollinators.
 Encourage pollinators to visit the trees by spray application of 10 percent honey
or sugar solution. Apply the solution at full bloom as spot treatment.