DISTRIBUTION, HOST PREFERENCE AND DAMAGE SEVERITY OF MANGO MEALYBUG IN DHAKA CITY AND ITS MANAGEMENT

Abstract

The present study was conducted at the field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e- Bangla Nagar, Dhaka and 45 thanas of Dhaka city during the period from November, 2015 to May, 2016 to know the distribution, host preference, damage severity and management of mango mealybug. Four chemical insecticides and two mechanical bands were evaluated against mealybug at mango orchard of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University campus. Mango mealybug was recorded from six thanas out of 45 thanas in Dhaka city. Jackfruit was common host at all locations followed by mango. Comparatively higher infestation occurred on fruit of jackfruit compared to inflorescence and branch. In case of mango, more infestation occurred on inflorescences than branch and fruit. Severe infestation was observed on fruit for jackfruit and inflorescence of mango in most of the locations. Carbaryl was the most effective insecticide against mango mealybug which reduced maximum population of mango mealybug (86.70% after 7 days and 92.70% after 15 days of spray) followed by Thiamethoxam. Cotton band and polythene band with grease were found effective for reducing the mealybug populations of mango tree.