Occurrence, Damage Pattern, and Insecticidal Treatments of Mango Leaf Cutting Weevil Deporaus marginatus (Pascoe)
Abstract
Mango is recognised as one of the most cultivated and preferred fruits in the tropics and subtropics. India is acknowledged as the leading producer of mangoes in the world; however, significant damage to mango trees is caused by a large number of insect pests. Among these, severe damage is caused by the mango leaf-cutting weevils, Deporaus marginatus, which attack young mango plants and hinder growth, particularly in new grafts. Small cavities are excavated by the female on either side of the midribs of the leaves, with eggs being laid in each cavity. The leaf is then cut near the base from one edge through the midrib to the other. As a result of these attacks, infested shoots become almost leafless. The growth of the rootstock is delayed, leading to poor success of new grafts. A study was conducted to review the incidence, nature of damage, and management of leaf-cutting weevils in a private mango orchard at Barasat. The highest infestation was recorded in late June, and the lifecycle of D. marginatus is completed on average in 20-25 days. Different commercial Insecticide treatments revealed that a combination of chlorpyrifos 50% and cypermethrin 5% EC is effective in reducing pest populations and superior to other modules tested.
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