This is mango scale insects. Scale insects mainly feed on plant sap. They attack all parts of the tree including leaves, branches and fruits. In severe case causes defoliation, drying up of young branches and reduce market value of fruits. Usually young trees are susceptible for scale insect infestation.
Another major problem with scale insect is they excrete honey dew (a sugary substance) which results in development of sooty mold. The sooty mold is fungal disease which cover plant surfaces and reduce photosynthesis. Usually ants are associated with scale insects which feeds on honey dew.
Management:
1. Spraying emulsive oil, parathion or malathion, may be used for control of scale insect.(http://www.avocadosource.com/Journals...)
2. Can also use thiamethoxam as soil drench.
3. Collect and burn the fallen leaves and twigs.
http://www.learn2grow.com/problemsolv...
0 Comments