Mango thrips

Systematic position: Scirtothrips mangiferae belongs to the order Thysanoptera and the family Thripidae. It is a highly specialized and economically significant pest of mango cultivation, capable of causing widespread damage in orchards across various tropical and subtropical regions.

Crops damaged: The primary host plant for this species is the mango tree (Mangifera indica). The thrips focus their feeding activities on the most tender parts of the plant, including flushing leaves, developing inflorescences, and young fruits, which are highly susceptible during their initial growth stages.

Biology and life cycle: The life cycle involves the egg, two larval instars, prepupa, pupa, and adult stages. The duration of these stages is strongly influenced by ambient temperature, with warmer conditions significantly accelerating the developmental rate. This rapid reproduction allows the population to reach damaging levels within a short period of time.

Damage and economic significance: The insects pierce the plant surface to suck out the sap. On fruits, this feeding causes necrotic patches, scarring, and a corky, russetted appearance. This cosmetic damage significantly reduces the market value of the fruit, making them unsuitable for export or premium retail, leading to heavy economic losses for producers.

Management and control: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is essential for effective control.

• Monitoring population density using yellow sticky traps placed in the canopy.
• Timely application of chemical insecticides targeting larval stages during flower and fruit set.
• Sanitation practices, such as removing infested plant debris.
• Promoting biological control agents, including predatory mites and anthocorid bugs, to suppress population spikes.