Information, education and

communication materials series no. ___

Technical Editor/Subject Matter Specialist
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Documenters/Graphic Artist
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Editor
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Adviser
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References:
Hernani, Golez G. Mango Propagation
and Nursery Management. Jordan,
Guimaras: Bureau of Plant Industry-National
National Crop Research, Development
and Production Support Center.
The Mango Technical Committee. The Philippines
Recommends for Mango. Los Baños
Laguna: Philippine Council for Agriculture,
Forestry and Natural Resources
Research and Development and
Philippine Agriculture and Resources
Research Foundation, Inc., 1994.
 M angoes 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 increased production inputs.

Many of these problems can be minimized though

Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This involves
the use 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.

44 1
 INSECTS Mango Black envalerate (Sumicidin 3 EC) 2.00-3.0 tbsp
Borer
Circular-white back borer Helopetis Bug cypermethrin (Cymbush 5 EC) 1.00-1.5 tbsp
Mealy Bug
Common names:
Circular - white back borer, Scale insect cyfluthrin (Baythroid 050 EC) 2.00-5.0 tbsp
propineb (Anthraccol 70 WP) 4.00 tbsp
Leaf cutting beetle
Scientific Name: Anthracnose copper oxychloride (Cupravit 6.50-10.0 tbsp
Callimetropus sp Scab Ob21) chlorothalonil 3.20-4.4 tbsp
Parts Affected: (Daconil 75 WP)
Young twigs
Seventh Fruit Same insects Same insecticides and fungicides
and terminal leaves
Spraying, Enlargement and Diseases as before
Destructive stages: 70 DAFI
Adults and larvae
Eight Fruit Fruit fly protein- bait spray*
Description: This is a long-
Sraying, Enlargement Mealy bug methyl eugenol**
horned beetle and has 84 DAFI
lambdacyhalothrin (Karate 2.5 EC) 0.75-1.5 tbsp
very similar habits to the deltamethrin (Decis 2.5 EC) 1.15 tbsp
twig borer/ cutter. The
adult scrapes the bark Scale insect cyfluthrin (Baythroid 050 EC) 2.00-5.0 tbsp
of young twigs causing
the death of terminal parts. The insect is easily Antracnose benomyl 1 (Benlate 50 WP) 1.00-2.0 tbsp
scab
identified by the circularNinth
white markFruit
on the back of
Fruit fly same insecticides
its body. Aside from destroying
spraying, the twigs, the insect
enlargement Scale Insect As before
also cuts the leaves of mango.
94 Mealy Bug
(optional,
Prevention/control to be
carried
Like the twig borer, adults ofasthe circular white-
insect
back borer are attracted to out
before young leaves of
mango or flushes for egg laying. Insecticides
if insect
recommended for twig damage
borer infestation can also
be used to protect treesincidence
from circular white back
is high
infestation. To prevent or minimize damage, spray
the whole canopy with Karate at ¾ to 1½ tbsp per
* Bait is prepared
16 L water. Repeat application afterby
onemixing protein hydrolysate + insecticide and applied as spot treatment on the tree
month,
canopy. The bait will attract and kill fruit fly of both sexes.
especially during flushing. Other pyrithroids can be
used. ** Sex pheromone when mixed with insecticide will attract and kill the male species of fruit fly.

2 43
 Mango Black Green
envalerate beetle
(Sumicidin 3 EC) 2.00-3.0 tbsp
Borer
Helopetis Bug Scientific
cypermethrin name:
(Cymbush 5 EC) 1.00-1.5 tbsp
Mealy Bug Anomala sp.
Common names:
Scale insect cyfluthrin (Baythroid 050 EC)
Green beetle and Toy2.00-5.0beetle tbsp
propineb (Anthraccol 70 WP) 4.00 tbsp
Alternate hosts:
Anthracnose copperSantol, avocado,
oxychloride (Cupravit coconut,
6.50-10.0 tbsp
Scab Ob21)cashew etc.
chlorothalonil 3.20-4.4 tbsp
Destructive
(Daconil 75 WP) stage:
Adults
Seventh Fruit Same insects Same insecticides and fungicides
Spraying, Enlargement and Diseases
Parts affected:
as before
70 DAFI Mainly leaves and sometimes flowers and fruits

Eight Fruit Fruit fly Description:

protein- bait spray* Adults are metallic green. They feed
Sraying, Enlargement Mealy bug methyl eugenol**
mainly on the leaves and occasionally on the
84 DAFI
flowers of mango. These insects also attack young
lambdacyhalothrin (Karate 2.5 EC) 0.75-1.5 tbsp
fruits by
deltamethrin chewing
(Decis 2.5 EC) bits and pieces
of the peel or skin,
1.15 tbsp
particularly near the fruit stalk.
Scale insect cyfluthrin (Baythroid 050 EC) 2.00-5.0 tbsp

Antracnose benomyl 1 (Benlate 50 WP) 1.00-2.0 tbsp

scab
Ninth Fruit Fruit fly same insecticides
spraying, enlargement Scale Insect As before
94 Mealy Bug
(optional,
to be
carried
insect as
before out
if insect
damage Prevention/control
incidence
is high • Remove the adults from the tree by shaking
the branches and spray insecticide.
* Bait is prepared by mixing protein hydrolysate + insecticide and applied
• Adults as spot treatment
are attracted on the tree
to light;
lighthence,
canopy. The bait will attract and kill fruit fly of both sexes.
trapping is an effective control measure.
** Sex pheromone when mixed with insecticide will attract and kill the male species of fruit fly.
• Avoid piling compost or other organic matter
near mango trees since these are preferred
sites for egglaying.

42 3
Mango cecid fly Source: The Philippine Recommends for Mango, 1994
Annex. Suggested pesticides and spraying schedule for the control of major insect pests and
Scientific name: diseases attacking flowers and fruits of Mango.
Procantarinia sp. Spray Stage of
Common names: Schedule flower and Recommended Dosage Per Liter
Leaf gall midge, Gall fly on number fruit Pest Problem Pesticide of Water
and Mango leaf gall of days development Chemical Name/Brand
(DAFI)
Parts affected: First Bud break to Mango Etofenprox (Trebon) 1-2 tbsp (10 ml)
Leaves and fruits Spraying, bud hopper/tip lambdacyhalothrin (Karate 2.5 EC) 0.75-1.5 tbsp
Destructive stage: seven to emergence borer fenvalerate (Sevin 85 S) 2.00-3.0 tbsp
Larvae, adult ten DAFI Cyfluthrin 1.00-1.5 tbsp
(Baythroid 050 EC)

Description: Adults which are

Second Panicle Mango Etofenprox (Trebon) 1-2 tbsp
mosquito-like in appearance
Spraying Elongation Hopper/tip cypermethrin (Cymbush 5 EC) 1.00-1.5 tbsp
prefer to lay eggs on new,14 DAFI borer Sherpa 50 WP) deltamethrin 1.00-1.5 tbsp
flushes (young leaves). (Decis 2.5 EC)
The larvae, which develop Anthracnose benomyl (Benlate 50 WP) 1.00-2.0 tbsp
from eggs, mine the leaves captan 4.00-8.0 tbsp
producing galls or swelling
of tissues. Under heavy Tip borer deltamethrin (Decis 2.5 EC) 1.00-1.5 tbsp
infestation, the leaves wrinkle mealy bug cypermethrin (Cymbush 5 EC) 1.00-1.5 tbsp
lambdacyhalothrin (Karate 2.5 EC) 0.75-1.5 tbsp
and remain yellow. Close carbaryl (Sevin 85 S) 4.8 tbsp
examination of the leaves
shows dark green, circular
30-32 DAFI Full Bloom no spraying
galls randomly distributed on the leaves’ blade.
When opened, each gall Fifth
containsFruit Settinglarvae
yellow Mangoof Same insecticides as before
Spraying, hopper
the cecid fly. When the adults
42 DAFI
emerged fromMealy these bug
galls, the leaves produce circular spots or holes
which are sometimes mistaken as fungal infection Anthracnose Benomyl 1.00-2.0 tbsp
(anthracnose). The latter, is however, irregular in
Scrab (Benlate 50 WP)
shape. Mancozeb 4.00-7.5 tbsp
(Dithane M45)
While the damage of Cecid fly is usually Captan 4.00-8.0 tbsp
associated with galling of young leaves, infested (Captan 50 WP)
fruits produced circular, brown to black, scab-like
Sixth, Fruit Mango Seed cyfluthrin 56 1.00-1.5 tbsp
spots randomly distributed on the Enlargement
Spraying fruit surface.
Borer (Baythroid 050 EC)
This damage is commonly called “buti”, armalite, Deltamethrin 1.00-1.5 tbsp
‘kurikong’ and ‘saksak walis’ by growers. The (Decis 2.5 EC)
water-soaked spots contain small, yellow larvae. Fenvalerate 2.00-3.0 tbsp
(Sumicidin 3 EC)
Infested fruits retain the scabby lesions at harvest
affecting their quality.

4 41
Source: The Philippine Recommends for Mango, 1994Prevention/control
Annex. Suggested pesticides and spraying schedule for the control of major insect pests and
• Orchard sanitation is important. Clear weedy
diseases attacking flowers and fruits of Mango.
Spray Stage of areas since adults prefer to stay on these plants.
Schedule flower and Recommended Dosage Per Liter
on number fruit Pest Problem
• Young Pesticide
leaves are very attractive for egg
of Water
of days development laying.
Chemical Spraying either Sevin, Decis, Karate,
Name/Brand
(DAFI) and Stingray (3 to 4 tbsp per 16 L of water) will
First Bud break to Mango Etofenproxminimize
(Trebon) damage.1-2 Spray
tbsp (10insecticides
ml) in the
Spraying, bud hopper/tip lambdacyhalothrin (Karate 2.5 EC) 0.75-1.5 tbsp
afternoon, preferably 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
seven to emergence borer fenvalerate (Sevin 85 S) 2.00-3.0 tbsp
ten DAFI • Prune crowded branches
Cyfluthrin 1.00-1.5 tbsp(particularly irregular
(Baythroid branches)
050 EC) to allow light penetration.
Second Panicle Mango • Bag
Etofenprox the fruits 55
(Trebon) to1-2
60tbsp
days after flower
Spraying Elongation Hopper/tip induction.
cypermethrin (Cymbush 5 EC) 1.00-1.5 tbsp
,14 DAFI borer Sherpa 50 WP) deltamethrin 1.00-1.5 tbsp
(Decis 2.5 EC)
Mango thrips
Anthracnose benomyl (Benlate 50 WP) 1.00-2.0 tbsp
Scientific name:
captan 4.00-8.0 tbsp
Scirtothrips dorsalis (Giard)
Tip borer deltamethrin (Decis 2.5 EC) 1.00-1.5 tbsp
Selenothrips rubocinctus
mealy bug cypermethrin (Cymbush 5 EC) 1.00-1.5 tbsp
(Giard) (Karate 2.5 EC) 0.75-1.5 tbsp
lambdacyhalothrin
Common
carbaryl (Sevin 85 S)name: 4.8 tbsp
Mango thrips, Red-banded
30-32 DAFI Full Bloom nothrips
spraying
Destructive stages:
Fifth Fruit Setting Mango Same insecticides as before
Spraying, hopper Nymphs and adults
42 DAFI Mealy bug Parts affected:
Leaves and flowers
Anthracnose Benomyl 1.00-2.0 tbsp
Scrab Description:
(Benlate 50 WP) Mango thrips
are small insects with 4.00-7.5 tbsp
Mancozeb
“fringe”
(Dithane M45) wings. These
Captan
are occasional insect 4.00-8.0 tbsp
(Captan 50 WP)
pests of mango but may be destructive in some
Sixth, Fruit Mango Seed areas.
cyfluthrin 56 Adults and nymphs destroy
1.00-1.5 tbsp the leaves by
Spraying Enlargement Borer scrapping
(Baythroid 050 EC) the surface and feeding on the plant
Deltamethrin
sap. Affected leaves1.00-1.5
develop tbsp brown areas, and
(Decis 2.5 EC)
later dry up and fall to2.00-3.0
Fenvalerate
the ground.
tbsp
Burning effect
on flowers
(Sumicidin 3 EC) is a common damage of thrip injury.

40 5
Prevention/control
Both young and adult 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 names:
Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell)
Planococcus lilacinus
(Cockerell)
Common names:
Grey mealy bug and
Cottony cushion mealybug
Alternate hosts:
Many ornamental plants
and fruit trees
Destructive stages:
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

6 39
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 ‘Kasoykasoy’.
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.
38
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, mealybugs can persist on the fruit
affecting quality. It can also attract ants that are
cumbersome during harvest.
Prevention/control
• Pruning creates an environment that is not
favorable for the growth of mealybugs.
• Like scale insects, mealybugs have symbiotic
relationship with red ants. Mealybugs and scale
insects provide food for the red ants through
their excreta (honey dew). In return, ants offer
protection and distribute the insect to the different
parts of the tree. Spray the red ants with Malathion
(1 ½ to 3 tbsp per 16 L water), Decis (1 to5 tbsp
per 16 L water) and Karate (¾ to 1½ tbsp per 16 L
water) to prevent the spread of mealybugs.
• Bag the fruits at 55 to 60 days after induction to
prevent damage from mealybugs. The paper bag
should be closed properly at all sides and should
remain intact up to harvest.
7
June beetle FRUIT ABNORMALITIES
Scientific name: Bioko
Leucopholis irrorata
(Chevrolat) Description: A common
Common names: complaint among
Toy beetle, June beetle growers is the abnormal
Alternate hosts: development of
Santol, Avocado, Cashew, fruits despite good
Coconut, and many management. Those
other fruit trees affected remain
Destructive stages: small, round and
Larva and adult green at harvest. In
Parts affected: the Visayas, this abnormality is called ‘Bioko,’
Roots, leaves in Luzon,’Paninglon.’ Bioko can affect 2 to 10
and sometimes flowers percent of the total fruit production. The cause(s)
of this problem is not known although there are
Description: The adults are brown ans easily speculations that it is associated with lack of micro-
drop down when foliage are shaken. They feed elements, lack of water during fruit development,
extensively on the leaves, leaving only the midrib. and side effects of chemicals particularly
The larvae (grubs) feed on the roots. The insect insecticides. Some growers value the fruits because
gets into the root system from infested organic they command high price in the market and are
matter, affected plant wilts and if uprooted, small, believed to have aphrodisiac properties.
curved larvae can be seen feeding on the roots.
Prevention/control
Prevention/control
• Apply foliar fertilizers containing micro-elements
• Before applying the organic matter as fertilizer like zinc, boron, magnesium, and copper.
for mango, dry it thoroughly to kill the eggs of the Spray at 42 to 45 days after induction and 3
beetle. to 4 weeks later. The following foliar sprays are
recommended for mango: Albatros (1½ to 2
• Granular insecticide like Furadon can be applied tbsp per 4 L water), Nutraphos (4 tbsp per 16 L
in the soil to kill the larvae. water), Wokozin (1 to 2 ml per L), Crop Giant (4
• Adults can be controlled by spray application of tbsp per L) and Agrowel (2 to 3 tbsp per gallon).
insecticide. • Apply water during fruit development at 15 day
intervals and stop irrigation one month before
harvest.

8 37
Rat Scale insect
Scientific names: Important species recorded on mangoes:
Rattus argentiventer, R. Oriental scale: Aonidiella orientalis (Newstead)
mindanensis (Mearns) Tropical scale: Hemiberlesia palmae (Cockerell)
Common name:
Field rat, rice land rats Alternate hosts:
Alternate hosts: Several fruit trees
Rice, corn, grains Destructive stages:
and fruit trees Adults, nymphs (crawlers)
Destructive stages: Parts affected:
Both young Almost all parts of mango
and adult stages particularly twigs, branches,
Part affected: leaves and fruits
Stems of newly Description: Scale insects
planted trees are usually circular in form
and occasionally, fruits with scale-like appearance.
Description: Newly planted trees are attractive to In the nursery, leaves of
rats, especially when rice or corn fields are vacant. grafted mangoes are
Rats prefer to eat or chew stems of mango readily infested with scale
resulting to cutting of young plants. As high as 12 insects, causing them to
percent damage have been reported in the field. dry and fall. On bearing
In some instances, fruits about to be harvested are trees, high population of
also destroyed by rats. scale insects cause blackening of the canopy due
to growth of fungus “sooty mold” which develops
Prevention/control from their excreta (honey dew). Affected leaves
are covered with a thin, black, papery film which
• Cut down and remove weeds in surrounding produces unsightly appearance. Moreover, the
areas. This will reduce shelter and burrowing photosynthetic activity (food production) of the
sites. leaves is reduced considerably. The branches and
• Avoid planting rice and corn as intercrops for twigs of mango are susceptible to attack of scale
mango, especially in rat infested areas. insects. While feeding, they inject toxic substances
into the tissues which result in the production of
• Rats can be controlled by baits made of rice
galls (bulging of twigs) and distortions of affected
bran and rodenticide.
parts. Damaged portions fail to heal or recover.

36 9
Prevention/control Mango gallmite
• 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
Scientific name:
to prevent damage from scale insects. Seal
Unidentified
the paper bag properly at all sides and let it
Common names:
remain intact up to harvest.
Mango galls, gall mite
• Use clean planting materials free from any Part affected:
infestation. Trees which are sickly and crowded Leaves
are susceptible to scale insect attack.
Description: The pest is not an insect, but a small
• Under severe attack, prune affected parts, mite related to spiders. Mites feed on both young
spray insecticide with sticker, fertilize and and old leaves which result in the production of
irrigate. galls. The damage is similarly observed in the leaves
of ‘Bangkok’ santol. Affected leaves produce galls,
Termite curl and photosynthetic activity is reduced. During
heavy infestation, growth is stunted. The problem is
Scientific name: confined to Mindanao, particularly in Davao and
Macrotermes gilvus Cotabato.
(Hagen)
Common names: Prevention/control
White ants, termite
Alternate hosts: • Avoid planting ‘Bangkok’ santol as intercrop for
Several fruit trees mango since the leaves are very susceptible to
Destructive stage: mite infestation.
Adults and • Prune affected parts.
immatures
Parts affected: • Acaricides are sprayed to control mites.
Roots, trunks and
branches

10 35
 OTHER PESTS Description: Similar to ants but have soft bodies
and are whitish in color. Termites construct earthen
Parasitic flowering plants 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
Scientific name: discourage the movement of termites from soil
Family: Loranthaceae to the upper parts of the tree.
Common names: • Prune crowded branches to allow light
Parasitic plants, Phanerogamic parasites penetration. This will provide unfavorable
Alternate hosts: environment for the multiplication of the
Many shade trees and fruit trees insect. Termites have soft bodies and die upon
Parts affected: exposure to sunlight.
Branches and twigs
• Insecticides can be sprayed to control termites.
Destructive stage:
Be sure to destroy the earthen tunnels before
All stages of development
applying insecticides.
Description: Parasitic plants grow on branches
• For termite mounds, make a hole on one side,
of mango trees to obtain nutrient and water.
deep enough to reach the nest and pour
Affected parts are starved, decay,
kerosene.
and eventually die.

Prevention/control Mango leafhopper

• Prune crowded branches for good light Scientific name:

penetration to discourage the growth of Idioscopus clypealis
parasitic plants. (Lethierry)
Common names:
• Avoid planting the trees too close (less than Blossom leafhopper,
10x10 m) to prevent crowding in the later years. Mango leafhopper
• One percent herbicide has shown to control Parts affected:
these parasitic plants. Direct spray on the Leaves, flowers and
parasitic plant is recommended to prevent young fruits
herbicide injury to mango. Destructive stages:
Nymphs and adults

34 11
Description: Adults are brown to gray with wedge- Stem end root
shaped body. Head is distinct with protruding eyes
on the side. Nymphs are smaller, light brown and Causal organism:
have no wings. Dothiorella
dominicana (Dd)
Nymphs and adults damage the flowers by Common name:
piercing the tissues and sucking the plant sap Stem end rot, DSER
which causes withering, drying and falling of Parts affected:
individual flowers. Under severe infestation, no fruit Fruits
develops. The insect excretes fluid called “honey
dew,” an excellent medium for the development Description: The
of the fungus, “sooty mold,” which interferes disease is considered
with the photosynthetic activity of the leaves. next to anthracnose
It also disturbs flower fertilization and spoils the in importance and is
appearance of fruits. Under high insect population, responsible for about 2-6
the entire canopy is covered with sooty mold with percent of storage and
the leaves and flowers turning black. transit rots of mango.
The disease is characterized by appearance of
Prevention/control dark discoloration near the fruit stalk (pedicel).
• Since hopper population is expected to be Under warm and moist conditions, the infected
high in summer, early induction of mango trees area extends towards the end of the fruit. Later,
(September, October and November) will the symptom turns from dark brown to purplish-
minimize hopper problems in the field. black and the tissues become soft and watery. The
disease produces soft rot in contrast to the hard rot
• Use light traps during early stages of flower produced by anthracnose.
development to attract and kill adults which
are ready to lay eggs. To install a light trap, Prevention/control
hang the source of light (electric bulb or
kerosene operated lamp) on the tree. Place • Remove and burn primary sources of the
a basin containing a mixture of soap and and disease such as dead twigs, barks and other
water (1:10) underneath the light. Hoppers trashes.
which are attracted to the light are drowned
• Since high incidence of stem-end rot occurs on
in the solution. One light trap is required per
fruits without stalks, harvest the fruits with about
hectare of mango plantation.
1.0 to 2.0 cm of the stalk attached.
• Prune crowded branches to discourage
• The pre-harvest sprays of fungicides
hoppers from staying in the tree. Pruning allows
recommended for anthracnose can also be
good light penetration and makes the habitat
used to prevent stem-end rot.
unfavorable for hopper development.
• Avoid the use of organic materials as liners for
mango during packaging.

12 33
Prevention/control • Spray insecticide directed to the nymphal
stages rather than the adults, hence, detection
• The disease develops from excreta (honey of this stage is important. (Please see Annex for
dew) deposited on the leaves by sucking suggested control measures)
insects like mango leaf hoppers, scales, and
mealy bugs. A practical approach to prevent
the occurrence of sooty mold is to destroy Mango tipborer
the sucking insects by spray application of Scientific name:
recommended insecticides such as Malathion Chlumetia transversa
(1½ to 3 tbsp per 16 L water), Decis (1 to 5 tbsp (Walker)
per 16 L water) or Karate (¾ to 1½ tbsp per 16 L Common names:
water). Tipborer, shoot borer
• Prune infected branches. Alternate host:
Cashew, Guava
• Bag the fruits to minimize infection of sooty Destructive stage:
mold. Larva
• Hot water treatment has been found to Parts affected:
facilitate cleaning of fruits affected by the Young shoots and flowers
disease, provided it is treated immediately
Description: While mango
after harvest.
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 specially 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)

32 13
Tent caterpillar Sooty molds
Scientific name: Causal organism:
Orthaga melanoperalis Genus - Tripospermum, Limaculina, Trichopelteca,
(Hampson) Chaetothyrium, Capnodendron and Polychaeton
Common name: Parts affected:
Web worm Flowers and fruits
Alternate host:
Cashew
Destructive stage:
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.
Description: Sooty mold is caused by a fungus which
grows and obtains its nourishment from ‘honey
dew’ excreted by sucking insects like leafhoppers,
scales, and mealybugs. 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.

14 31
Scab Mango fruit fly

Causal organism: Scientific names:

Elsinoe mangiferae Bactrocera philippinensis
(Brit and Jenkins) sp. n. and Bactrocera
Common name: occipitalis (Bezzi)
Scab Common names:
Parts affected: Mango fruit fly
Flowers and fruits Alternate hosts:
Guava, Santol,
Sineguelas, Starfruit,
Guyabano, Chico,
Description: The disease is more prominent on fruits Papaya, Passion fruit,
as compared to leaves and flowers. Young fruits Macopa
are susceptible to scab and fall to the ground. Parts affected:
When examined, irregular, raised corky structures Fruits
are present on the surface. During rainy days, Destructive stages:
the scab becomes dark brown but remain light Adults and larvae
brown during the dry months. On mature fruits, the
scabby lesions remain very distinct and persist after Description: Damage on fruits starts during egg-
harvest affecting quality. laying of adult that resembles colorful housefly.
Fresh punctures may not be readily recognized
Prevention/control until after 3 to 5 days when soft brownish spots
appear on the skin and the underlying tissues start
• Like anthracnose, scab produces spores which
to spoil. The larvae cause the major problem since
remain dormant on dead twigs/branches and
continuous feeding destroys large portions of the
trashes below the tree. Prune and collect dead
flesh. Breakdown of tissues makes the mango fruits
leaves and branches and burn them.
unsuitable for consumption. In the field, infested
• Apply protectant fungicides a week after fruits drop to the ground and decay. Under severe
bud break, fruit setting and during fruit infestation, as much as 70 percent of the crop is
enlargement. (Please see annex for suggested damaged.
control measures)
• Avoid mechanical injuries during harvesting Prevention/control

• 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.
• 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.

30 15
• Bag the fruits using newsprint at 55 to 60 days Seedling wilt
after induction (chicken egg size) to minimize
damage from fruit fly. (Please see Annex for Causal organisms:
suggested control measures Pythium sp
and other
• Avoid planting papaya, guava, sineguelas soil-borne fungi
or santol as intercrops for mango since these Common name:
fruits are preferred hosts of the insect. On the Seedling Wilt
other hand, cashew and calamansi are less Parts affected:
preferred. Roots and young
• Spray the insecticides at 90 to 105 days after stem
induction since fruits at these stages are
attractive for egg laying. Recommended Description: Considered
insecticides to prevent fruit fly infestation are a serious disease
Baythroid (1 to 1½ tbsp per 16 L water), Karate of seedlings grown
(¾ to 1½ tbsp per 16 L water) and Decis (1 to in plastic bags. The
5 tbsp per 16 L water). Last spraying should at disease is caused by
least be 15 days from harvest. (See annex for overcrowding, too
recommended control measure) much shading, and
excessive watering.
Leaves become dull, light green with brownish spots
Mango seed borer near the base. Within a few days, the leaves bend
Scientific name: downward, curl, and die. Infected seedlings show
Noorda albizonalis excessive decay of roots.
(Hampson)
Common names: Prevention/control
Red-ringed mango • Use sterile soil media. This is prepared by
caterpillar, Red boring cooking the soil in a half-drum container for 1 to
caterpillar, Fruit boring 2 hours or by pouring boiling water on it before
caterpillar, Mango fruit bagging the seedlings.
borer and Mango seed
borer • Avoid arranging grafts too closely in the nursery.
Parts affected: Early sunlight should reach the plants through
Fruits and seeds of mango partial shading.
Destructive stage: • Water only when necessary.
Larvae
• Remove infected plants from healthy ones to
prevent further spread of the disease.

16 29
Gummosis Description: Unlike the fruit fly which feeds mainly
on the flesh, the mango seedborer consumes
Causal organism: both the flesh and seed. Damage starts when
Phytophthora the newlyhatched larvae enter the fruit by boring
palmivora Butl holes through the apex or the narrow tip of the
Common names: fruit. As the larvae develop, they feed on the
Crown rot, Root rot tissues beneath the skin. The damaged area later
Parts affected: collapses causing the apex to burst and the fruits
Trunk, branches eventually fall to the ground.
Description: The disease occurs during both wet Serious damage is brought about by the
and dry seasons causing slow death of mangoes. destruction of the seed, since a single larva is
In seedling stage, infection starts from the roots capable of consuming the entire mango seed in a
while in the nursery. In bigger trees, infection short period of time.
extends 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 Prevention/control
leaves and later dies.
• Pick the fruits showing damage. Otherwise,
Prevention/control larvae will transfer and destroy adjacent
healthy fruits.
• Since the fungus is soil inhabiting, sterilize the
potting media by pouring boiling water to • Collect and dispose infested fruits on the
reduce the source of infection before bagging ground by burying them to prevent the insect
the seedlings. Field planning is recommended from completing its life cycle.
in well-drained soil (avoid water logged areas)
• Bag the fruits with newsprints 55 to 60 days after
• Tree spacing of less than 10x10 m apart should the induction will also minimize damage of the
be discouraged. Avoid root and trunk injuries borer.
during cultivation. Fungicide can be applied as
• Adults can be controlled by spray application
‘slurry’ over the affected parts. This is done by
of insecticide in the afternoon. (Please see
mixing the fungicide in water to form a ‘paste’.
Annex for suggested control measure)
The later is applied to affected areas.

28 17
Mango pulp weevil Die-back

Scientific name:
Sternochetus frigidus (Fabricius)
Common name:
Pulp weevil
Parts affected:
Flesh or pulp of the fruit
Destructive stages: Causal organism:
Adult and larvae Colletotrichum gloeosporioidez (Penz.)
Description: Adults lay their eggs on young fruits Parts affected:
while the larvae feed on the flesh. Affected fruits Terminal shoots
fall to the ground. Damage is not visible externally.
However, inner tissues are destroyed by the Description: The symptoms are discoloration and
feeding larvae. The pest is found in Palawan which darkening of the twig at some distance from the
resulted to the quarantine of the province. tip. As the disease advances, the twig withers,
dropping its leaves. Dead twigs are often seen
protruding from the tree canopy like “sticks” devoid
Prevention/control of leaves. When split open, the twigs show internal
• Adults stay away from light. Pruning is a discoloration with gummy sap. Blackening of the
practical means to discourage movement of twigs is associated with the presence of the fungus
insect to mango trees.
Prevention/control
• Collect and properly dispose dropped fruit by
burying them half a meter below the ground to The fungus multiplies in crowded and shady
prevent the insect from completing its life cycle canopies. To minimize fungal infection, prune to
make the environment less favorable for their
• Bag the fruits at 55 to 60 days after induction. growth and spray fungicide.
• 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.
18 27
Prevention/control for leaves twig cutter/borer
As a fungal disease, the development and spread Scientific names:
of anthracnose are facilitated by high relative Niphonoclea albata
humidity within the tree canopy. Young leaves are (Newman) and N.capito
susceptible to the disease. (Pascoe)
• Prune crowded branches to allow light Common names: Twig
penetration and good air circulation that will Borer (old); Twig Cutter
create an environment unfavorable for disease (new)
development. Parts affected:
Branches and twigs
• Remove dead and diseased branches to Destructive stages:
reduce the source/reservoir of fungal spores. Adults and larvae
• Ring cultivation can lessen relative humidity
underneath the trees, which discourage Description: Before laying
germination of spores. eggs, the adult cuts or
girdles the branch/twig.
This is done by nipping
Prevention/control for fruits
the branch halfway, then turning around to make
• Apply protectant fungicides such as Daconil (½ another cut just as deep as, but slightly lower, than
tbsp per 16 L water), Manzate (½ tbsp per 16 L the first cut. Affected parts fail to transport nutrients
water), Dithane (4 to 7½ tbsp per 16 L water), and water causing the terminal leaves to dry up.
a week after bud break, at fruit set and 20 Dried leaves on the tree canopy
days before harvest. (Please also see Annex for is a common sign of twig borer infestation.
other suggested control measures)
• Bagging of fruits at 60 days after flower
Prevention/control
induction can minimize the problem.
• Hot water treatment (HWT) by dipping newly • Adults are attracted to young leaves or flushes
harvested fruits in heated water (52 to 55o C) for egg laying. To prevent or minimize damage,
for 10 minutes, followed by hydro-cooling and spray the whole canopy with Karate at ¾ to
air drying. 1½ tbsp per 16 L water and other pyrethoids.
Repeat application after one month. (See
Annex for recommended control measure)
• Infected portions have to be pruned
and burned.

26 19
Cornsilk beetle
Scientific names:
Monolepta bifasciata (Hornstedt)
Common names:
Cornsilk beetle, yellow beetle
Alternate hosts:
Corn
Destructive stage:
Adults
Parts affected:
Leaves (flushes), sometimes flowers and fruit
Description: Corn silk beetle is a small, yellowish
beetle frequently present on leaf flushes. It has
a habit of “playing dead” and dropping to the
ground when disturbed. The insect destroys leaves
by chewing bits and pieces producing irregular
holes. Oftentimes, the entire leaf is eaten.
Prevention/control
• Avoid planting corn as intercrop for mango.
• Underbrushing 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.
20
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 7½ 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
25
 Mango Trunk borer
Scientific name:
Plocaederus sp (Guerin)
Common name:
Mango bark borer
Alternate host:
Cashew
Parts affected:
Trunk, branches
Destructive stages:
Larva and adult

Description: The insect

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 the 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 season and usually occurs
as important post-harvest disease of mango fruits.
belongs to the family
of the longhorned
beetle. Damage is
done by adults which
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 5 kg
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.

24 21
Helopeltis/capsid bug DISEASES
Scientific name: Anthracnose
Helopeltis sp.
Common name:
Capsid bug, Tea
Mosquito
Alternate hosts:
Cacao, Guava and
Cashew
Destructive stage:
Adults and nymphs
Parts affected:
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 show dark brown, Causal organism:
irregular spots that result in the wrinkling of leaf and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz.
blade. On fruits, corky raised irregular brown spots Parts affected:
resembling scab-like damage is prominent. Unlike Leaves, flowers and fruits
damage of cecid fly, the damage from capsid
Description: Considered as the most serious fungal
bug is characterized by spots which are irregular
disease of mango in the Philippines, anthracnose
and dry.
occurs in all mango growing areas. It attacks the
different parts of the tree, but major damage
Prevention/control occurs at flowering and after harvest. It is serious
during the wet season and usually occurs as a post-
• Spray insecticide on harvest disease of mango fruits.
young flushes.
(See Annex for The disease is characterized by the appearance of
suggested control tiny spots on the leaves. These later enlarge to form
measure discrete, rounded, or angular spots which come
together to form large, irregular shaped-patches
• Prune for field sanitation with light brown to grayish damage. The leaves
purposes. are distorted with brown to black spots. However,
• Bag fruits. during advance stage of the disease, the spots
give way and produce “shot hole” appearing in
• If insecticides are to be sprayed, apply these various shapes and sizes. This must be differentiated
in the afternoon. from the “shot holes” produced by the cecid fly
which are small and circular.

22 23