Bionomics and control of mango mealy-scale, Chloropulvinaria (Pulvinaria) polygonata (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Coccidae).
Chatterji A., Datta A. R.
Author Affiliation: College of Agriculture, Visva Bharati, Sriniketan, West Bengal 731 236, India.
Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 44 : 791-795
Abstract : Chloropulvinaria polygonata (Ckll.) severely damages mango and citrus in India by sucking the sap from the twigs and results in the intensive growth of sooty mould on leaves. Studies on the bionomics and control of the coccid showed that it was most active from November to March and aestivated as the first-instar nymph during the rest of the year. Examination of field-collected examples showed that there were 3 nymphal instars, the distinguishing characters for nymphs in each instar being described. Hatch occurred in March and the subsequent nymphs congregated on the underside of leaves. Second-instar nymphs appeared in November and settled within 50 cm of the apices of twigs; the coccids remained in this position for the rest of their lives. Third-instar nymphs usually developed into females with the characteristic mealy covering all over their bodies. Spray application of 0.03% dimethoate was the most effective insecticide treatment evaluated in field tests.