Mango shoot gall psyllid

Systematic position: Apsylla cistellata is a member of the order Hemiptera and the family Psyllidae (commonly known as jumping plant lice). This insect is recognized as a significant pest of mango cultivation, particularly in the Indian subcontinent, where it can cause devastating agricultural damage.

Host plants: The species is monophagous and exclusively attacks the mango tree (Mangifera indica). It specifically targets the apical and axillary buds, which are critical for the tree's vegetative and reproductive growth, leading to localized damage that hinders fruit production.

Biology and life cycle: The life cycle is intricately synchronized with the flushing cycle of the mango tree. Adult females oviposit into the young tissues of the buds. Upon hatching, the nymphs begin feeding, which triggers an abnormal proliferation of plant cells, resulting in the formation of hard, woody galls that provide shelter and nutrients for the developing insects.

Damage and severity: The primary injury manifests as the development of shoot galls, often referred to as "mango galls." These galls inhibit the formation of inflorescences, effectively sterilizing the affected branches. Severe infestations can reduce the tree's canopy density and drastically decrease annual fruit yields, causing long-term stress to the orchard.

• Systematic pruning of gall-infested branches during the off-season.
• Application of systemic insecticides prior to the emergence of nymphs.
• Regular field monitoring to detect early symptoms of gall development.
• Utilization of sticky traps to manage and track adult population density.
• Promoting biodiversity within the orchard to support natural predator populations.