Mango seed weevil

Systematic position: The mango seed weevil (Sternochetus mangiferae) is a member of the order Coleoptera and the family Curculionidae. It is recognized as a significant quarantine pest that causes severe damage to mango production, impacting global trade and fruit quality significantly.

Host plants: The primary host for this beetle is the mango (Mangifera indica). While it is highly host-specific, the severity of the damage caused to mango orchards makes it one of the most critical pests for mango growers in tropical and subtropical regions around the globe.

Biology and life cycle: The life cycle is strictly dependent on the fruit. The female oviposits on the surface of young fruit. The larvae bore through the pulp and enter the seed, where they complete their development, pupate, and emerge as adults. This cryptic lifestyle makes early detection of an infestation extremely difficult.

Nature of damage and harmfulness: The damage is twofold: the larvae consume the seed kernel, which often leads to the premature fruit drop of young mangoes. Furthermore, when the adult beetle emerges, it tunnels through the fruit pulp, facilitating the entry of secondary pathogens that cause the fruit to rot and become unmarketable.

Management practices: Effective control requires an integrated approach. Important strategies include the physical removal and destruction of all fallen fruit to prevent the next generation of weevils. Chemical control during the flowering stage can reduce the population, while post-harvest treatments, including hot water dipping and irradiation, are used to ensure the safety of exported fruit.