Economic evaluation of the integrated management of the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) in mango in India

Bactrocera dorsalis is a serious pest of mangoes in India. Between 1985 and 1996 assessments of the effectiveness of a locally recommended IPM package, in comparison with no control, on a susceptible variety were carried out near Bangalore. The IPM package was applied over the 45 days before harvest and comprised (1) weekly removals of fallen fruit, (2) 3-weekly inter-tree ploughing and raking and (3) three fortnightly cover sprays of insecticide. Infestation reductions attributable to the package were between 77% and 100% in different years. Cost-benefit returns were dependent on the level of pest pressure, and in years of low pressure the package may not recover its costs, necessitating a threshold approach.