Mango shoot borer

The mango shoot borer (Chlumetia transversa) is a significant lepidopteran pest belonging to the family Noctuidae. It is widely recognized as one of the most destructive insects affecting mango plantations throughout its range in Asia and other tropical regions.

The primary host plant for this species is the mango tree (Mangifera indica). It specifically targets the most succulent parts of the plant, including young flushes and developing flower panicles, which are critical for the tree's health and fruit yield.

The life cycle of Chlumetia transversa progresses through egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. The moths lay eggs on leaves or young stems. Upon hatching, the larvae immediately bore into the plant tissue, creating tunnels within the shoots, which protects them from predators and many contact insecticides.

The pest causes considerable damage, characterized by wilting, drooping, and eventual necrosis of terminal shoots. When flower panicles are infested, the development of fruits is severely compromised, often leading to total crop failure if the infestation is not managed during the early stages.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for controlling this borer include:

• Pruning and destroying infested shoots to eliminate larval populations residing inside.
• Monitoring adult populations using pheromone traps to time interventions accurately.
• Encouraging natural biological control agents, such as parasitoid wasps.
• Targeted application of systemic insecticides if the population density exceeds the economic threshold.