Pests, Beneficials, Diseases and Disorders of Mangoes - Northern ...

Mango planthopper
Colgaroides acuminata (Family Flatidae). Also known as Flatids
Description:
Eggs: Laid in an oval-shaped raised mass, usually on leaves or fruit.
Immatures: Newly hatched nymphs are pale green with red markings.
As they mature nymphs become pale green all over with a pointed
head and white waxy filaments protruding from the end of the abdomen.
Nymphs are covered with a white waxy material.
Adults: Green or whitish-green in colour and ‘tent’ shaped. A tiny red
spot may be seen in the centre of each wing. Size: 10–15 mm in
length.
Life Cycle: Adults breed all year round. Eggs hatch in 6–7 days. The
nymphs take 12–16 days to develop into adults and their development
is faster during the fruiting period. There are 3–4 generations per year.
Similar to: Other species of planthoppers.
Damage: Adults and nymphs suck sap from the shoots, flowers and
fruit. Often seen along the mid-rib of leaves or on the fruit stalk. Flatids
feeding on the fruit stalk may cause sap to flow on to the fruit which may
lead to sapburn. Sooty mould and sapburn may affect marketability of
fruit.
Control Strategies: Prune to reduce dense tree canopy as this assists
in control. Spray programs are directed towards reducing the population
level before flowering and fruit development. Native wasp parasites,
parasitic caterpillars and fungal pathogens may assist in control.
Other comments: Adults and nymphs move or jump quickly when
disturbed. Other species of planthoppers such as Siphanta are also
seen on mangoes.
Monitoring: Monitor terminal shoots in the period leading up to
flowering and inspect fruit stalks during fruit development for egg
masses and nymphs.
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