Loss Assessment by Releasing Hoppers on Young Shoots and Flowering and Fruited Panicles of Mango

Loss assessment study by hopper on shoots showed that per cent leaf infestation per shoot increased significantly with the increase in hopper population. Maximum infestation (91.47%) occurred on shoots having 20 hoppers per shoot, whereas those with 10 and 15 hoppers per shoot suffered more or less 50 per cent infestation. Number of hopper eggs per leaf also varied significantly with the increase in hopper population. Maximum eggs (15.40 per leaf) were recorded on leaves where 20 hoppers per shoot were released. Per cent increase in shoot length was also affected significantly with the increase in hopper population. It was minimum (4.88) where 20 hoppers per shoot were released. However, the shoots with 0 and 5 as well as 10 and 15 hoppers per panicle were also at par. Per cent reduction in fruit set was maximum (95) on panicles where 20 hoppers per panicle were released. However no significant differences were observed on panicles where hoper populations were 10, 15 and 20. Per cent fruit drop was maximum (81.25) where, 30, 35 and 40 hoppers per panicle were released and minimum (8.81) where no hopper was released. Percent reduction in fruits weight per panicle was maximum (84.58) where 40 hoppers per panicle were released and minimum (14.60%) with 5 hoppers per panicle.