White Mango Scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead (Hemiptera: Diaspididae): A Challenging Mango Productions in Ethiopia: A Review

Abstract

Mango considered as a major fresh fruit used in the world and produced in several tropical and sub-tropical countries. The production of the crop has increased at alarming rate in the producing areas to feed its demands increments. It is a major fruit widely grown in Ethiopia and placed on second rank in terms of area coverage. Its production in Ethiopia is very low as compared to other countries production and potential of the crop. Even though, many factors reported by farmers, affordability agricultural inputs mainly fertilizers, pesticides and pests are the major challenges for the production of the crop. Recently, white mango scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis is the major problem affecting mango production in Ethiopia. This pest was first reported in Loko, Guto Gidda district, east Wollega zone of the Oromia region on August, 2010. The infestation of pest has been speeded at an alarming rate and recorded from almost all mango producing areas of the country. Its population dynamics is increased from October to March and reached the highest peak on April in Didesa and Green focus sites. While, at Bako areas, the population of the pest increased from October to April and reached the highest on May. Pruning supported with insecticides decreased the infestation of the pest. But natural enemies showed promised results in South Africa; as a result in Ethiopia it is on the process to introduce these bio-agents. Integrated approaches of biological control agents, cultural practices and insecticide for the sustainable and eco-friendly management option needs further study.