Measures to control Mango hoppers in Mango

Mango hoppers, specifically species of the Idioscopus genus, can be major pests for mango trees, leading to significant crop losses. Both nymphs and adults feed on the sap of tender parts like leaves, flowers, and young fruits. This sap-sucking weakens the plant, impacting growth and development. Heavy feeding on inflorescences can directly damage and distort flowers, leading to reduced fruit set and fruit drop. Punctures on young fruits can cause scarring and deformities, lowering their quality and market value.
Hoppers excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts other insects like ants and sooty mold fungi. Sooty mold grows on this honeydew, covering leaves and reducing photosynthesis, further stressing the plant 

• Common Name: Mango hoppers
• Scientific Name:  Idioscopus niveoparsus
• Attacking stage of Pest: Second and third instar larval stages that feed on the leaves and suck sap and Adults that suck juices and transmit the virus.  
• Major affected states: Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka
• Affected parts of plant: Leaves

Damage Causing stage:

• Newly hatched nymphs prefer feeding on the sap of young leaves and developing flower clusters. This sap-sucking weakens the leaves and can distort or damage flowers, impacting fruit sets.
• Even nymphs excrete sticky honeydew, attracting ants and promoting sooty mold growth, further impacting plant health and photosynthesis.
• Adult hoppers have a wider feeding range, targeting leaves, flowers, and young fruits. Their sap-sucking activity continues to drain the plant's energy reserves, affecting growth and fruit development.

• Punctures made by adults while feeding can leave scars and deformities on young fruits, reducing their quality and marketability.

Favorable factors for Mango hoppers:

• Warm and humid weather: Mango hoppers prefer warm temperatures (around 25-30°C) and high humidity (above 70%), creating optimal conditions for their development and reproduction.
• Limited rainfall: Dry periods between rains can favor hopper populations as they have easier access to plant sap and are less impacted by natural enemies like fungal pathogens.

Initial Symptoms:

• Pale yellow, wedge-shaped nymphs hiding on the undersides of young leaves or in cracks and crevices of branches.
• Sticky honey dew droplets on leaves and branches, attracting ants and promoting sooty mold growth.
• Yellowing and curling of young leaves due to sap sucking.
• Increased adult hopper activity around flowers and young fruits.

Severe Symptoms:

• Heavy leaf fall and defoliation, leaving branches bare.
• Reduced fruit set and yield due to flower damage and fruit drop.
• Stunted tree growth and development in severe cases.

Control measures for Mango hoppers in Mango:

FAQs Effective Mango Hopper Control

Q. What is a mango hopper?

A. Mango hopper (Amritodus atkinsoni), known by its Mango Hopper Scientific Name, is a harmful pest that sucks sap from mango trees, weakening plants and reducing fruit yield.

Q. What are the symptoms of mango hopper damage?

A. Mango hoppers cause black sooty mold, drying of flowers, and stunted fruit growth. Look for sap loss, yellowing leaves, and sticky residue on plants.

Q. How do I control mango hoppers effectively?

A . Spray Cypermethrin 25% EC, Imidacloprid 17.8% SL, or Chakrawarti (Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambda Cyhalothrin 9.5% ZC) for quick and lasting control.

Q. How can I identify mango hoppers?

A. Mango hoppers are tiny, light brown or green insects seen on leaves, flowers, and tender shoots. They jump or fly when disturbed.

Q. What is the life cycle of a mango hopper?

A. Mango hoppers have a three-stage life cycle: eggs on flowers or shoots, nymphs feeding on sap, and adults spreading to new areas.

Q. What are the major mango tree diseases?

A. Mango trees suffer from diseases like powdery mildew and anthracnose, but hopper infestations are among the most damaging pests.