Mango tree mortality due to Asian ambrosia beetle, Xylosandrus crassiusculus Mot. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae).
Khuhro R. D., Nizamani S. M., Abbasi Q. D., Solangi G. S., Jiskani M. M.
Author Affiliation: Department of Entomology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan.
Pakistan Journal of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Veterinary Sciences 21 : 39-42
Abstract : The survey of three mango gardens of Hyderabad district (Sindh, Pakistan) revealed that commercial mango cultivars, such as Sindhri, Langra, Dushari, Almas, Siroli, Chaunsa, Began Pali and the indigenous (Desi), were killed by the Asian ambrosia beetle, Xylosandrus crassiusculus. The results further showed that maximum mean mortality was recorded at Zardari mango farm (12.15%), followed by Khokhar farm (2.91%) and Talpur farm (1.73%). Females of the bark beetle bore into trunk, branches, open roots and twigs of susceptible mango trees and excavated a system of tunnels in the bark. Eggs, larvae and pupae were found together in the tunnel system. The grubs (larvae) are white, legless, C shaped and have a well developed head capsule. In this paper, some precautionary measures are suggested to reduce the mortality of mango trees.