Journal of Economic Entomology (2010) 103, 1577-1585

J. De Graaf (2010)
Developing a systems approach for Sternochetus mangiferae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in South Africa
Journal of Economic Entomology 103 (5), 1577-1585
Abstract: Sternochetus mangiferae (F.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a quarantine pest of mango, Mangifera indica L., in South Africa. The aim of the study was to test cultural and chemical control measures in a systems approach for risk mitigation of S. mangiferae in South Africa. A large-scale experiment, using a randomized block design with three replicates, was undertaken on 'Tommy Atkins' mangoes in South Africa. Five treatment combinations were applied over two seasons: 1) untreated control; 2) sanitation and physical removal of egg-infested fruit (P+S); 3) thiamethoxam, P+S; 4) thiamethoxam, fipronil, P+S; and 5) thiamethoxam, two fenthion applications, P+S. A weekly random sample of eight fruit from 40 trees per orchard was taken from 5 wk to harvest over two harvest periods. In total, 57,600 fruit were sampled. In a separate experiment, the same variety was used to test the efficacy of covering fruit with paper bags over one season in a completely randomized design. In both trials, all the pests were recorded from internal and external fruit inspections. In trial 1, results after the first season showed >98% control in the three chemical combination treatments. In the second season, treatment 2 provided 19% and treatment 3 99.9% control, whereas no fruit were infested with S. mangiferae in treatments 4 and 5. Trial two showed that fruit bagging significantly reduced S. mangiferae infestation. The data showed that a systems approach for S. mangiferae control in South Africa can be effective and that bagging can be an effective organic control option.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Johan de Graaf

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general
quarantine treatments/regulations/aspects

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Sternochetus mangiferae	Mango (Mangifera indica)	South Africa