Mango Fruit Fly Control
Mango fruit fly, also known as Ceratitis cosyra, can be a major threat to mango orchards.
It causing significant damage to both the fruit by punching wounds in it and laying eggs.
When the eggs hatch into larvae and start feeding on the fruit, rotting occurs.
under serious infestation, mango fruit flies can lead to 60-90% loss of harvests.
In this blog post, we will discuss some effective strategies for preventing and controlling mango fruit fly infestations in your orchard.
Ready?
Prevention is always the best approach when it comes to managing pests, and there are several things you can do to reduce the risk of mango fruit fly infestation in your orchard.
- One effective prevention method is to plant varieties of mango that are resistant to fruit fly.
Some varieties, such as the Haden and Keitt varieties, have a thicker skin and are less attractive to fruit flies.
- Another prevention method is to practice proper sanitation in and around your orchard. Remove any fallen fruit from the ground and dispose of it promptly, as fallen fruit can attract fruit flies. Keep the area around your trees clean and free of debris, and prune your trees regularly to remove any damaged or diseased branches.
In addition to these prevention measures, there are also several…
Control methods that can be effective in managing mango fruit fly infestations.
- One control method is the use of traps. There are several types of traps that can be used to attract and capture fruit flies, including bait traps and pheromone traps. You can get a highly effective fruit trap <<< link here
* NB: For best results, depending on the size of your mango trees you need 2-3 fly traps
Bait traps use a food-based lure, such as fermented fruit or vinegar, to attract fruit flies, while pheromone traps use synthetic hormones that mimic the natural pheromones of female fruit flies to attract males.
Details on How to make fly bait at home for free <<< link here
- Another control method is the use of chemical pesticides.
There are several chemical pesticides that are effective against fruit flies, including organophosphates and pyrethroids.
These pesticides can be applied to the trees and the surrounding area to kill fruit flies on contact.
However, it is important to use chemical pesticides with caution, as they can also be harmful to beneficial insects, such as honeybees.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully and only use pesticides when necessary.
- Another control method that can be effective against mango fruit fly is the use of biological control agents.
There are several biological control agents that have been shown to be effective against fruit flies, including the use of predatory insects, such as wasps, and the release of sterile male fruit flies.
The use of predatory insects can be especially effective in controlling fruit fly infestations, as these insects can help to reduce the population of fruit flies by preying on the larvae.
Sterile male fruit flies can also be an effective control method, as they can mate with female fruit flies, but will not produce any offspring.
This can help to reduce the overall population of fruit flies in the area.
In addition to these control methods, there are also several…
Cultural practices that can be effective in managing mango fruit fly infestations.
- One such practice is the use of plastic bags or netting to cover the fruit on the trees.
This can help to prevent fruit flies from laying their eggs in the fruit, and can also help to protect the fruit from other pests and diseases.
- Another cultural practice that can be effective is the use of companion planting.
Planting certain herbs and flowers, such as basil and marigolds, near your mango trees can help to deter fruit flies and other pests.
Mango fruit covered with plastic bags to protect them from fruit fly
What is the Critical Stage for Fruit fly Damage to Mangoes?
“The fruit fly invades mangoes during the fruiting season. The most destructive stage is towards fruit ripening.”
How can I identify a fruit fly invasion? 6 Key Things to Look For
- When small /young fruits develop soft patches/spots and fall down prematurely.
- Small holes on the fruit, Punctured fruits
- Presence of small black spots /dots on the fruits
- Part of the fruit may become yellow colored prematurely
- Presence of maggots, rotting and oozing sap on sliced mango.
- Extreme falling /dropping of mango fruits.
How To Make a Bait Trap That Will Help You Control Fruit Flies
To make a bait trap to attract fruit flies at home, you will need:
- A jar or other container with a narrow neck
- Fermented fruit or vinegar (as a lure)
- A piece of paper
- Scissors
To make the trap:
- Pour a small amount of fermented fruit or vinegar into the jar or container. The fermented fruit or vinegar will serve as a lure for the fruit flies.
- Cut a piece of paper into a cone shape and place it in the jar or container, with the narrow end of the cone touching the bottom of the jar and the wide end pointing upwards.
- Secure the paper cone in place by taping it to the sides of the jar or container. Make sure that the cone is secure and will not fall over.
- Place the bait trap in an area where fruit flies are commonly found, such as near your fruit trees or near your kitchen.
- Check the trap regularly and dispose of any fruit flies that have been caught.
You may need to refill the bait trap with fermented fruit or vinegar every few days to keep it effective.
Note: It is important to keep the bait trap out of reach of children and pets, as fermented fruit and vinegar can be harmful if ingested.
In conclusion, there are several effective strategies for preventing and controlling mango fruit fly infestations in your orchard.
By implementing a combination of prevention measures, control methods, and cultural practices, you can help to protect your mango trees and fruit from the damaging effects of fruit flies.
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