How to control the common mango seedling pests and diseases?

Control the common mango seedling pests and diseases

Common mango seedling pests and diseases can be effectively managed with a combination of cultural practices, natural remedies, and, if necessary, chemical treatments. Here are treatments for some frequent problems:

Powdery Mildew (Oidium mangiferae):

• Appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves, flowers, and young fruits.
• Treat by spraying a mixture of neem oil and water every 7 to 10 days.
• Use karanja oil spray or mild soap solutions as natural alternatives.
• Maintain good air circulation and avoid excessive moisture to prevent the spread.

Mango Seed Weevil:

• Infests seeds inside fruits and can persist in dropped waste.
• Manage by sanitation: regularly remove and destroy fallen fruits and seeds.
• Spray neem-based insecticides at flowering and fruit set stages.
• Careful spraying of the bark during adult emergence can reduce infestation.

Mango Fruit Borer:

• Larvae bore into fruits, causing damage.
• Use neem extracts regularly during flowering and fruit development.
• Employ biological control with parasitic wasps that attack larvae and eggs.
• Chemical sprays with thiacloprid or chlorpyriphos can be used when necessary.

Dieback Disease:

• Causes drying of twigs and branches.
• Prune affected parts well below the symptoms, and disinfect tools before and after use.
• Apply Trichoderma fungus paste to pruning wounds.
• Improve soil health with organic compost and maintain proper drainage.

Mealybugs and Mango Hoppers:

• Control with neem oil sprays and yellow sticky traps.
• Introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs, for biological control.
• Use systemic insecticides prudently when infestations are severe.

General Pest and Disease Management Practices:

• Regular monitoring and early detection of symptoms.
• Maintain orchard hygiene by removing infested plant debris.
• Prune dead or infested branches to reduce breeding sites for pests.
• Avoid overhead irrigation, as it promotes fungal diseases.
• Utilise Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which combines biological, mechanical, cultural, and chemical methods.

These approaches help maintain healthy mango seedlings and reduce losses due to pests and diseases while minimising chemical use for a safer environment.

Also Read: Why Mango is Called Bathroom Fruit?

Also Read: Top 10 World’s Most Popular Mango Varieties.

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