Rastrococcus invadens Control in Mango Orchards by Using NECO, ASTOUN and FERCA Plant Extracts-Based Biopesticides

Kassi Koffi Fernand Jean-Martial, Johnson Félicia, Moussa Sounna Abdourahamane, N’Goran N’Dri Sévérin, Soro Gnamidjo, Camara Brahima and Koné Daouda

Background and Objective: Fruit tree mealybug (Rastrococcus invadens), an emerging pest of the mango tree is rampant in the intensive mango production area in Côte d'Ivoire. The control methods in force, mainly mechanical and chemical have not, however, resulted in effective control of this pest responsible for increasingly significant damage. This study, conducted under natural infestation conditions, assesses the effectiveness of 3 biopesticides for Rastrococcus invadens control. Materials and Methods: Three formulations of Ocimum gratissimum (NECO), Cymbopogon citratus (ASTOUN) and Eucalyptus citriodora (FERCA) extract-based biopesticides were applied at a dose of 1.5 L ha^–1. Two successive biopesticide treatments, at 30 days interval (17/10/2019 and 18/11/2019) were carried out on the elementary plots, especially on the canopy. An infestation level assessment of the 5 mango trees in the center of each plot was carried out for 60 days. Data on the Total Number of Leaves (NTF), Number of Attacked Leaves (NFA), Number of Unattacked Leaves (NFNA) and Number of Fruit Tree Mealybug Colonies (NCC) were collected every ten days. Results: The number of unattacked leaves increased on plots treated with biopesticides. Thus, 192.33; 146.42 and 138 additional leaves were protected by NECO, ASTOUN and FERCA, respectively. Fruit tree mealybug colonies were also reduced on treated plots after two successive applications every 30 days. Conclusion: These results can be used as a basis for the development of an integrated management program for mango mealybug without resorting to synthetic pesticides.

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