Comparison of different bands for the control of mango mealy-bug, Drosicha mangifera Green (Margarodidae: Homoptera).
Sandhu G. S., Batra R. C., Sohi A. S., Bhalla J. S.
Author Affiliation: Department of Entomology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India.
Journal of Research, Punjab Agricultural University 17 : 286-290
Abstract : A field trial was carried out in Punjab, India, to test the effectiveness of some new banding materials (aluminium-paper, aluminium foil, metallic ring and insecticidal bark paint alone or on a coal-tar base) against the mango pest Drosicha mangiferae (Green) and compared with recommended bands. The experiment was carried out twice, before and after emergence of the crawlers. On the basis of overall effectiveness, a modified band of 25-cm-wide 200-gauge plastic sheeting applied with nails to the base of the tree with soil compacted around the trunk, together with a 2% parathion-methyl dust (Folidol Dust) applied 3 times at 10-day intervals at a rate of 50 g/tree gave the best results. This band also trapped the descending gravid females between the polythene band and the trunk during June. This additional advantage can be exploited for the development of integrated control programmes and to minimise infestation in the following year.