POPULATION FLUCTUATION OF WHITE MANGO SCALE (Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead) AND ITS NATURAL ENEMIES IN ‘MANILA’ MANGO ORCHARDS

Background. White mango scale (WMS) is present at any physiological stage of the mango tree, can remain on leaves and fruits, and affects photosynthesis and fruit aesthetics. Knowing the population fluctuation of WMS and its natural enemies over time will help to design efficient control strategies. Objective. To determine the annual population fluctuation of WMS and its natural enemies in three mango-producing areas, in Veracruz, Mexico. Methodology. In three mango orchards cv. 'Manila' in productive stage, located in the municipalities of Actopan, Medellín, and Tierra Blanca (one orchard at each municipality), the number of female individuals and male colonies of WMS, and its natural enemies Chilocorus cacti, Scymnus spp., Azya orbigera, Ceraeochrysa spp. and Pentilia spp., were monitored for 12 consecutive months. Results. Higher densities of WMS and Ceraeochrysa spp. were found in the Actopan orchard. The density of natural enemies changed according to species and time of year. The density of Pentilia spp., Scymnus spp., and Ceraeochrysa spp. correlated with the WMS density, with a higher and lower density of individuals per leaf in December-May and June-October, respectively. Implications. The time when the highest and lowest populations of WMS and its natural enemies occur in different 'Manila' mango-producing areas in Veracruz were identified. This knowledge will help to define the most appropriate timing and strategy for WMS control. Conclusion. The greater WMS population coincides with the fruiting stage, so its control should start in winter, during the flowering stage. Considering that the population of C. cacti, Pentilia sp., Scymnus spp., and Ceraeochrysa spp. present positive correlation with the WMS, it is recommended to reduce the use of broad-spectrum pesticides and to increase the use of cultural practices to benefit the population of these natural enemies.