Integrated Pest Management of Aulacaspis Tubercularis in Mango Agroecosystems

Aulacaspis tubercularis, commonly known as the white mango scale, is an armoured scale insect that inflicts sap-sucking damage on leaves, twigs and fruit surfaces, leading to defoliation, reduced flowering and blemished fruits. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes for this pest combine systematic monitoring, economic threshold assessment and a suite of cultural, biological and chemical tactics. Regular scouting and use of pheromone traps or sticky bands enable early detection and tracking of population peaks in relation to host phenology and climatic factors. Cultural measures—such as canopy pruning to improve light penetration, removal of infested material and optimised planting density—help curtail scale establishment. Biological control relies on parasitoid wasps (for example species of Encarsia and Aphytis) and predatory beetles that target crawler and adult stages. Selective use of horticultural oils or reduced-risk insecticides at recommended thresholds preserves natural enemy populations while limiting resistance. Varietal selection, appropriate irrigation and nutrient management further enhance tree vigour and resilience. The integration of these tactics under a decision-support framework emphasises sustainability, minimises non-target effects and can be adapted to diverse production regions, from South Asian orchards to Latin American and African growing zones. Practical case studies underline the need for farmer training, regional coordination and incorporation of local ecological knowledge to achieve effective, long-term suppression of white mango scale populations and to safeguard export quality.

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Integrated Pest Management of Aulacaspis Tubercularis in Mango Agroecosystems publication trend

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Technical terms

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Coordinated use of monitoring, cultural, biological and chemical methods to manage pest populations sustainably.

Armoured scale: Sessile insect pest encased in a hard waxy covering that protects feeding stages.

Biological control: Use of natural enemies such as parasitoids and predators to suppress pest populations.

Cultural control: Agronomic practices, including pruning, sanitation and canopy management, to reduce pest habitat.

Economic threshold: Pest density at which control measures should be applied to prevent economic damage.

Multivoltine: Species capable of producing multiple generations within a single year.

References

1. A Review on White Mango Scale Biology, Ecology, Distribution and Management. Agriculture (2023).
2. Survey on distribution and significance of White Mango scale (Aulacaspis tubercularis) in Bench-Maji Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. Journal of Horticulture and Forestry (2017).
3. Population dynamics of white mango scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in Western Ethiopia. African Journal of Agricultural Research (2018).