Integrated Management Practice of White Mango Scale (Aulacaspis Tubercularis L.) Insect in South Ethiopia Wolaita Zone at Damote Woyde District Ofhagaza Watershed Development.

Integrated Management Practice of White Mango Scale (Aulacaspis Tubercularis L.) Insect in South Ethiopia Wolaita Zone at Damote Woyde District Ofhagaza Watershed Development. | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Integrated Management Practice of White Mango Scale (Aulacaspis Tubercularis L.) Insect in South Ethiopia Wolaita Zone at Damote Woyde District Ofhagaza Watershed Development. Andualem Alemayehu, Zerhun Tomas This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8081322/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Recently, white mango scale (Aulacaspis tubercularis) has become the most destructive insect pest on mango trees in Ethiopia. This insect pest has been imported to our country, Ethiopia, a decade ago with planting materials from India. Because of its newly emerging in our country Ethiopia, mango fruit producers in our region have no idea about the control option. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify and demonstrate better management options to control Aulacaspis tubercularis . An experiment was conducted by using systemic insecticides, namely Dimethoate 40% EC, and Thiamothoxam 25% WG, and tree pruning in randomized complete block design using four farmers as replications. The rates and formulation of insecticides were 15, 20, 25, and 30 ml and gm used per tree. The insecticides were sprayed within three months interval later on proper management and pruning of mango fruit plant. The analysis of variance result has shown a highly significant difference at ** P < 0.01 among treatments for the majority of collected data, and the rest has revealed a significant difference at * P < 0.05 level. Dimethoate 40% EC plus pruning gave the most reduction (49%) in insect population followed by Thiamethoxam 25% WG plus pruning (27%), whereas tree pruning reduced insect population by 14.5% compared to control. The present study suggested that in addition to tree pruning, the application of 20ml Dimethoate 40% EC an 20gm Thiamethoxam 25% WG per tree within three months interval would be used to reduce white mango scale insect infestation. In future insecticide residual toxic effect in edible fruit and biological control options need further investigation. White mango scale Aulacaspis tubercularis Systemic insecticide mango Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 INTRODUCTION The major threat of mango fruit production in Ethiopia, white mango scale (Aulacaspis tubercularis) (Newstead) insect which is belongs to the family Diaspididae (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) has about 2400 species. This insect is native to Asian continent and it is distributed South and Central America, Europe, Asia, Africa and over 72 countries globally. Aulacaspis tubercularis is polyphagous pest for many cultivated crops over 50 plant species comprising economically important crop species for about 18 families of plants [ 5 ]; [ 1 ]; [ 14 ]. Severely damaging insect pest of WMS was introduced in our country Ethiopia more than decade ago in Oromia region for the first time in August, 2010 at private farm (Green Focus Ethiopia LTD) in East Welega Zone. Since then, due to lack of natural enemy and well established internal quarantine system, it is extensively distributed throughout the country mango fruit growing regions and devastating fruit farms. Yield loss due to Aulacaspis tuberculais at the time of high infestation and damage reached from 50 to 100% [ 5 ]; [ 7 ]; [ 10 ]; [ 11 ]. This insect damages the shoots, twigs, leaves, branches, and fruits by sucking the sap through piercing sucking mouth parts. Then causing for twigs and leaves drying, defoliation, poor blossoms, dieback, death of twigs by toxic saliva and due to pink blemish on the fruit dermal reduce the market and export quality of the fruit. The large amount of scale excretes on leaves cover the green pigment and decreases the photosynthetic capacity of the fruit plant. The plants that highly affected have shown drying of various parts, deficiency of flower and then complete death of the fruit plants. [ 6 ] ; [ 13 ] ;[ 2 ]. This new mango fruit devastating insect pest prevalence is one of the major impacts of climate change effect. Hence, through intensive investigation controlling this newly occurred insect pest is mandatory for sustainable and resilient food and nutritional security in the face of climate change. Therefore, IPM including agro-chemicals or insecticides could use to control WMS insect as immediate solution to hinder the distribution and infestation of Aulacaspis tubercularis by eco-friendly manner. As stated by various survey and experimental researches WMS insect can be controlled by cultural, biological, and Insecticide application. Integrated managements of fruit tree pruning, foliar and soil drenching of systemic insecticide application can control this insect pest [ 12 ]. The report of [ 14 ] confirmed that the mango fruit tree pruning has play significant role to make the environment less favorable to pest development and reproduction. And also Dimethoate 40% EC spraying has been found successful in reducing the population of white mango scale. The A. tubercularis of mango fruit destructive insect pest currently has been observed and wiped out the entire mango fruits of improved and local varieties in Ethiopia in various lesser and higher amount based on the management and nature of the varieties. Lack of technology and knowledge about the new invasive insect pest the farmers have not tried to apply any controlling activity. Even though, this insect pest can be controlled by Cultural, Biological (parasitoids and predators), and Insecticide application, but the study area farmers could apply none of them to saves their mango fruit. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to identify and demonstrate better controlling practice to present as a management option which is going to adopt by study area farmers. MATERIALS and METHODS Description of the site Wolaita Zone is among the South Ethiopia Regional State administrative zone. Damote Woyde is one of the districts out of sixteen in Wolaita zone located in Great Rift Valley. The research was conducted at Damote Woyde district in Torasadebo kebele at farmers’ field. The geographical system of Torasadebo kebele at experimental area located in “037 0 51 ’ 17’’ _037 0 57 ’ 20 ’’ E and 06 0 51 ’ 40 ’’ _06 0 51 ’ 45 ’’ N. The range of Altitude at research trial area reached from 1458_1518 meter above sea level. Experimental design and field trial Four farmers each had four WMS insect infested mango trees was selected and the trial had lain down. The design of experiment was RCBD with four replications. The experimental materials were Twelve Mango trees four plants selected per farmer. Spark 250 WG or Thiamethoxam, active ingredient thiamethoxam 25% WG which is neonicotinoid systemic insecticide in its action. It has been registered in Ethiopia for the control of Aphid, White fly, caterpillar, mango white scale and termites. The rates and formulation of insecticide were 15gm, 20gm, 25gm, and 30gm thiametoxam each has been dissolved with 1L water. Dimethoate, active ingredient Dimethoate 40% EC broad-spectrum organophosphate, also in its action it’s systemic insecticide. This insecticide registered in Ethiopia for the control of bean fly, Aphid, Thrips, and Helicoverpa armigera on tomato. The rates and formulation were 15ml, 20ml, 25ml, and 30ml Dimethoate each has been diluted with 1L water. The mango fruit trees had been pruned, weeded, irrigated, and hoed to apply insecticides. Each rate of formulated insecticides had poured per mango tree by measuring 1.5m distance from the base of the tree. The frequency of insecticide application was three months interval after first application. Agronomic practice of pruning was carryout for one experimental trial without insecticide spray. The management action was not taken for control fruit trees which were used for comparisons. Data collection The treatment effect had been measured by collecting various biological data. With the help of hand lens from the ten sample leaves collected from four cardinal directions of East-West and North-South per plant. Biological data of White Mango Scale insect Egg, Crawlers, Males and females were counted from colony and scored on prepared checklist. The experimental location data of geographic coordination Latitudinal, Longitudinal, and Altitude had been collected. Data analysis The collected data was organized by Microsoft Excel and prepared for analysis. The compiled data was analyzed by using SAS statistical software version 9.0 and mean separation computed by using Fisher’s LSD test at 5% probability. RESULT The infestation level of white mango scale insect at study location had wipeout entire mango fruit plants. Before management each life stage of white mango scale insect was very high in number as shown in Fig. 1 . The average number of Egg was above 31 scored from the sampled mango leaves before management. The highest mean number for the rest of biological data such as crawler 9, male 7, and female 5 were scored before insecticide spray. Leaf damage index result scored 5 which was very severs before management. And also scale excrete colony was covered entire leaf before the application of management. Majority for scale colony score result was 5, and which was very sever and highly reducing the photosynthesis potential of the mango fruit plant. After intensive managements of pruning, weeding, hoeing, irrigating, and insecticide sprayed the population of white mango scale insect was significantly reduced Fig. 1 . The mean number for each biological life stage has reduced drastically on treated fruit tree. In reverse the White scale insect populations build up enhanced highly on control plot than treatment applied fruit trees Fig. 1 . The result of Table 1 exhibiting that among treatments had significant differences based on their efficacy. The analysis of variance result revealed that there were significance differences at * P < 0.01 level among treatments for majority of collected data. And the rest some of the data had shown significant differences at * P < 0.05 level. The presence of significant differences among treatments on various life stages of white mango scale insect showing the trials have promising result to control this damaging insect pest. Table 1 The mean square result from analysis of variance for white mango scale insect different life stages, infestation and damage. Sonsurce of variation df Egg Crawler Male Female LDI Infestation Damage or Severity SEC Rep 3 40.5 ns 5.2 ns 2 ns 2.5 ns 5.2 * 10260.2 ** 171.1 ns 0.12 ns Trt 3 611 ** 10.6 * 5.4 * 4.6 ** 3.6 ** 1835.1 ** 690.7 ** 16.7** Error 27 83.7 5.3 3 0.9 0.8 266 142.2 2.5 Key : Trt = treatment, Rep = replication, Df = degree of freedom, * ** = significantly different , LDI = leaf damage index, SEC = scale insect excrete colony. The potential reduction of life stage for white mango scale insect after treatment application has shown that each treatment revealed better efficacy to control white mango scale insect than control fruit tree. The mean result after treatment application had exhibited potentially reduced for each biological life stage. Dimethoate sprayed plus pruned mango fruit tree has score minimum mean number for all collected data than the control plot as well as the rest of treatments. The mean result for egg (16.5), crawler (4.1), male (3.3), and female (1.1) were scored after treatment. The infestation of white mango scale insect was highly reduced from 90% to 35% after spraying of Dimethoate and pruning. The damage status of scale insect has reduced from 45% to 23% later on application of Dimethoate and pruning the fruit tree. The leaf damage index also has scored minimum mean number which was 2 after the application of Dimethoate and pruning. The scale excrete colony also has considerably reduced from 5 to 2 after application of Dimethoate and pruning which has significant importance to enhance the photosynthesis capacity of the fruit tree plant Table 2 . Therefore, this result showed that Dimethoate 40% EC systemic insecticide plus pruning mango fruit tree have revealed the highest efficacy to control white mango scale insect due to its minimum mean score than the rest treatments. Table 2 The mean separation value result from analysis of variance for white mango scale insect different life stages, infestation and damage. Trt Egg Crawler Male Female LDI Infestation Damage or Severity SEC Dimethoate 40%EC 16.5 b 4.1 b 3.3 b 1.1 b 2 b 35 b 23 b 2 b Spark 250 WG or Thiamethoxam 25% WG 20.6 b 5.1 ab 4.1 ab 2.2 ab 3 ab 56 ab 30.6 ab 3.5 ab Pruning 25.1 b 5.7 ab 4.3 ab 3 ab 3.6 ab 65 ab 34.6 ab 3.7 ab Control 36.7 a 6.8 a 5.4 a 4 a 4.3 a 85 a 45.7 a 5.8 a Mean 24.7 5.4 4.3 3.2 3.5 46.4 32.6 3.8 LSD 5% 9.3 2.3 1.7 0.9 0.9 16 12 1.6 CV% 36.9 42.3 40.5 29.8 26.6 25.3 36.4 41.8 Key : Trt = treatment, LSD = least significant difference, CV = coefficient of variation. Means with the different letters are significantly different. And vice-verse is true for non-significantly different. The entire tested insecticides and pruning practices had been effective to control this damaging insect pest of mango white scale insect. The reduced mean of biological life stages, infestation and damage of white mango scale insect had the major wittiness for the effectiveness of the treatments to control this pest. The average result of Thiamethoxam 25% WG systemic insecticide sprayed plus pruned mango fruit tree had scored minimum mean as compared to control fruit tree. The mean result for Egg (20.6), Crawler (5.1), Male (4.1), and Female (2.2) were recorded after treatment application. The infestation and damage were also reduced after Thiamethoxam application and pruning. Leaf damage index and scale excrete colony had significantly reduced after the application of Thiamethoxam and pruning Table 2 . Fruit tree management by pruning has potentially minimized the white mango scale insect population. Mango fruit tree pruning had opened the fruit tree for light penetration, aeration and disturbed the environment by made not conducive to white mango scale insect reproduction and build up. Through reducing overcrowded leaves, removing dry leaves, cutting the branches which was dried and bended on the ground could reduce the infestation and damage of white mango insect pest. The minimum mean result of egg (25), crawler (5.7), male (4.3), and female (3) were scored after pruning which was significantly decreased number as compared to control fruit tree. The leaf damage index and scale excrete colony had shown less number when comparing to control and which could enhance the photosynthesis capacity of the fruit plant to increase the fruit yield. The white mango scale insect population build up alarmingly enhanced on none treated mango fruit tree and which reduces the yield, edible and marketable quality of the fruit and photosynthesis potential of mango fruit tree Table 2 . The white mango scale insect population before management was very high on selected mango fruit plants. Average value for each life stage has extremely high as displayed in Fig. 1 . The significant number of population reduction has shown for each white mango scale insect life stages after intensive managements. Before insecticide spraying collected data showed that the range of infestation was 60 to 85 percent Fig. 2 . After management the infestation was reduced significantly to each treatment except for control plot which was increased drastically. Before management the damage was very serious and out of ten samples leaves 40 percent damage level scored for above six leaves. The scale excretes cover the leaves in average four colony per leaf which reduces the photosynthesis capacity of the fruit plant. Due to sever infestation and damage before management the leaves of the plants were dried and flowers were aborted. As revealed by Fig. 2 the level of damage was reduced significantly after management. DISCUSSION This study has used local varieties which were giant mango fruit plants from farmers’ field to apply the treatments. Before treatment application the mango fruit tree had properly weeded, hoed, pruned and irrigated for easy of treatment application. Similar result has been reported by [ 7 ], he was reported about keeping the mango tree sizes at a manageable stature through pruning is very essential for ease of insecticide spray for the desired response in the control of pests and diseases. The population of White Mango Scale insect infestation was extremely high before treatment application on selected mango fruit trees. Then it has potentially reduced after intensive interventions. This result aligned with the finding result of [ 9 ] who reported that the infestations of white mango scale insect in all mango trees before treatment application were highly abundant in both seasons. However, significant reductions were observed in the number of live scales two weeks after each successive spraying. The systemic insecticide of Dimethoate 40% EC plus pruning of fruit tree had shown the highest mortality of white mango scale insect. The soil drenched 20ml Dimethoate systemic insecticide diluted with one (1) litter water per tree plus fruit tree pruning had exhibited significant reduction of white mango scale insect. As reported the same finding of the highest efficacy to control WMS insect through spraying of Dimethoate 40% EC (11.8) and Toran 240 (15.2) have significantly decreased the number of WMS insect [ 16 ]. The observed minimum mean result of Dimethoate sprayed plus pruned fruit tree had revealed promising hope to control this devastating insect pest of mango fruit Table 1 and Fig. 1 .The estimated reduction of 49% biological life stages of white mango scale insect, infestation and damage hand been achieved by this study from Dimethoeate sprayed and pruned mango fruit plant. Hence, using insecticide or agrochemical in integrated way through cultural practice like fruit tree pruning and irrigation had very important tool for immediate solution to control crop destructive insect pest like white mango scale insect to enable food and nutritional security. Therefore, this study has confirmed that soil drenching of systemic insecticides together with intensive agronomic management of pruning and irrigation can suppress mango white scale infestation and reduce damage status of the fruit. The effectiveness of Dimethoate insecticide to control white mango scale insect has been reported by the research finding of [ 15 ], Dimethoate 40%EC, Chloropyrifos, and methidathion have been found successful in reducing the population of white mango scale insect. And also this research finding has agreed with the [ 9 ], who reported that the Chemical control is necessary when crops are heavily infested with a pest, especially in the case of production of fruits for export. Its option is important to offer instant solution to enable production of blemish-free fruits. The uses of insecticides (organophosphates, pyrethroids and neonicotinoids) have been shown to reduce A. tubercularis populations on mango trees. Treating Mango fruit tree by thiamethoxam 25% WG systemic insecticide and fruit tree pruning had significantly reduced white mango scale insect population next to Dimethoate 40% EC. Out of four rate of insecticide formulation White mango scale insect population of biological life, infestation and damage had been reduced economically feasible and none toxic effects on fruit plant at 20gm dissolved with one liter water drenched per infested mango fruit tree. The systemic insecticide Thiamethoxam 25% WG drenched in the base of fruit tree by measuring 1.5m distance and mango fruit tree pruned had scored 27% reduction of white scale population, infestation and damage from mango fruit. This research result has coincided with [ 3 ], they were reported that the integrated use of a systemic soil drenching insecticide (Thiamethoxam 25% WG) and tree management can significantly reduce the number of WMS life stages on infested mango trees. And also similar finding reported about the principles of applying systemic insecticide to control sucking insects arises from the fact that they diffuse through the soft parts of the host plant and reach the pest [ 7 ]. The fruit tree management by pruning only without insecticide spraying has reduced white scale population significantly. Mango fruit tree pruning by opening overcrowded foliage and removing unnecessary parts from fruit plant had allowed for the penetration of sunlight, aeration and disturbed the reproduction of the insect to control white mango scale insect. This research result has shown 14.5% white scale population reduction after pruning of the infested mango fruit tree. As reported the pruning had significantly decreased the number of white mango scale (23.83 compared to non-pruned (31.97) trees. This could be due to the fact that tree pruning eliminate infested twigs and branches thereby reduced tree infestation by WMS [ 16 ]. Similar research finding reported by [ 4 ], Pruning is the most important cultural practice that contributes significantly to the management of the white mango scale. It involves the elimination of old dried branches, overlapped shoots, and infested parts. And also exposed the tree to air entrance and thus reduces humidity and discourages hiding and oviposition of the white mango scale insect. The same result by[ 7 ] had reported, pruning is an essential management practice in the control of scale insect infestation on mango. The WMS insect populations build up was alarmingly increased on control mango fruit tree. The biological life stages, infestation and damage on mango fruit tree by white scale insect increased about 22.8% on non-treated control mango fruit trees had confirmed through this research. The 20ml Dimethoate 40% EC and 20gm Thiamethoxam 25% WG per tree within three months interval had been used for this study due to the giant size of local variety mango fruit tree which were above the recommended amount of 6gm per tree in Ethiopia. The insecticide residual toxic effect in fruit and biological control option needs further study. CONCLUSSION The importance of well-established internal quarantine system for importing planting materials from elsewhere has been confirmed later on observing devastated mango fruit farm by newly occurred Aulacaspis tubercularis insect pest in Ethiopia. This invasive WMS insect pest has distributed throughout the country due to lack of strong internal quarantine system. This has shown that concerned government body has full responsibility to prevent the commodity of the country and lead the campaign to control this insect pest and save the mango fruit from devastation. This research result has revealed the highest morality rate of WMS insect achieved through integrated management of soil drenching systemic insecticides plus fruit tree pruning. Dimethoate 40% EC spraying plus fruit tree pruning has highly effective for the control of WMS insect. Considerable reduction of 49% of WMS insect pest population has been scored by using Dimethoate plus fruit tree pruning. Thiamethoxam 25% WG plus fruit tree pruning decreased 27% infestation and damage of mango fruit caused by WMS insect. Without insecticide application only fruit tree pruning has reduced 14.5% insect pest population from mango fruit plant. The populations’ buildup of Aulacaspis tubercularis has been enhanced alarmingly on a control mango fruit plant which was 22.8% more. Therefore, the toxic effects of insecticides in edible fruit and biological control option for this insect pest have open for future investigation. Declarations Acknowledgments The authors have great acknowledgement to South Ethiopia Agricultural Research Institute and Areka Agricultural Research Center for facilitating logistics to conduct this Research. Author contributions Andualem Alemayehu: Conceptualization, Methodology, Data Collection, Formal Analysis, Writing – Original Draft Preparation. Zerhun Tomas: Conceptualization, Methodology, Data Collection, Supervision, Validation, Writing – Review & Editing Funding The study was funded by Climate Action through Landscape Management Project (CALM). Data availability The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy or ethical restrictions. Consent to Participate declaration : Not applicable. Ethics approval and consent to participate Not applicable. Consent for publication Not applicable. The authors declare that this is the original research study and that it has neither been submitted nor been concurrently submitted in any other journal for publication. Conflict of interest The authors declare no competing interests. References Azrag AGA et al. (2022). Predicting the habitat suitability of the invasive white mango scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis (Newstead, 1906) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) using bioclimatic variables. 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Population dynamics of white mango scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in Western Ethiopia. Afr J Agric Res. 2018;13(31):1598–605. https://doi.org/10.5897/ajar2018.13176 . Raza ST, et al. A Review on White Mango Scale Biology, Ecology, Distribution and Management. Agric (Switzerland). 2023;13(9):1–20. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091770 . Yaregal W. White Mango Scale (Aulacaspis tubercularis) Management approaches: A Review. Global J Agricultural Res. 2022;10(2):36–45. https://doi.org/10.37745/gjar.2013/vol10no2pp.36-45 . Yohannes. (2020). Management of white mango scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis (Homoptera: Diaspididae) using pruning, oils and pesticides in Eastern Wellega, Ethiopia. MSc Thesis. Photos Photos 1 and 2 are available in the Supplementary Files section Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. 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13:15:16","extension":"html","order_by":8,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":71946,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"earlyproof.html","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8081322/v1/3b3278289d6bfa116570c714.html"},{"id":97185730,"identity":"9282a592-49ec-4499-8429-ec4bb260e5b2","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 17:30:10","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":24636,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe biological life stage population of white mango scale insect before and after management.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8081322/v1/9c61fc0b20e5ab86f585b478.png"},{"id":97249363,"identity":"5ede0ddc-3e3f-4d6b-89d2-4cd7d9f62dc4","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-02 13:12:21","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":57647,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe percentage of infestation and damage status of white mango scale insect before and after management.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8081322/v1/384276e9da16b88401dde1c4.png"},{"id":105481201,"identity":"78b53b65-a99e-4d09-86c5-8d0445d75272","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-26 13:42:27","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":651916,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8081322/v1/bbf0823a-1f47-441a-9105-a127840a5626.pdf"},{"id":97185733,"identity":"31ea7a4b-96be-4f4d-a769-bbb61149a6f7","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-01 17:30:10","extension":"docx","order_by":1,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":2207347,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Photos.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8081322/v1/73a70eb4aff952f734c7920f.docx"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003eIntegrated Management Practice of White Mango Scale (Aulacaspis Tubercularis L.) Insect in South Ethiopia Wolaita Zone at Damote Woyde District Ofhagaza Watershed Development.\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe major threat of mango fruit production in Ethiopia, white mango scale \u003cem\u003e(Aulacaspis tubercularis)\u003c/em\u003e (Newstead) insect which is belongs to the family Diaspididae (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) has about 2400 species. This insect is native to Asian continent and it is distributed South and Central America, Europe, Asia, Africa and over 72 countries globally. \u003cem\u003eAulacaspis tubercularis\u003c/em\u003e is polyphagous pest for many cultivated crops over 50 plant species comprising economically important crop species for about 18 families of plants [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]; [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]; [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]. Severely damaging insect pest of WMS was introduced in our country Ethiopia more than decade ago in Oromia region for the first time in August, 2010 at private farm (Green Focus Ethiopia LTD) in East Welega Zone. Since then, due to lack of natural enemy and well established internal quarantine system, it is extensively distributed throughout the country mango fruit growing regions and devastating fruit farms. Yield loss due to \u003cem\u003eAulacaspis tuberculais\u003c/em\u003e at the time of high infestation and damage reached from 50 to 100% [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]; [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]; [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]; [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e]. This insect damages the shoots, twigs, leaves, branches, and fruits by sucking the sap through piercing sucking mouth parts. Then causing for twigs and leaves drying, defoliation, poor blossoms, dieback, death of twigs by toxic saliva and due to pink blemish on the fruit dermal reduce the market and export quality of the fruit. The large amount of scale excretes on leaves cover the green pigment and decreases the photosynthetic capacity of the fruit plant. The plants that highly affected have shown drying of various parts, deficiency of flower and then complete death of the fruit plants. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e] ; [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e] ;[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]. This new mango fruit devastating insect pest prevalence is one of the major impacts of climate change effect. Hence, through intensive investigation controlling this newly occurred insect pest is mandatory for sustainable and resilient food and nutritional security in the face of climate change. Therefore, IPM including agro-chemicals or insecticides could use to control WMS insect as immediate solution to hinder the distribution and infestation of \u003cem\u003eAulacaspis tubercularis\u003c/em\u003e by eco-friendly manner. As stated by various survey and experimental researches WMS insect can be controlled by cultural, biological, and Insecticide application. Integrated managements of fruit tree pruning, foliar and soil drenching of systemic insecticide application can control this insect pest [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]. The report of [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e] confirmed that the mango fruit tree pruning has play significant role to make the environment less favorable to pest development and reproduction. And also Dimethoate 40% EC spraying has been found successful in reducing the population of white mango scale. The \u003cem\u003eA. tubercularis\u003c/em\u003e of mango fruit destructive insect pest currently has been observed and wiped out the entire mango fruits of improved and local varieties in Ethiopia in various lesser and higher amount based on the management and nature of the varieties. Lack of technology and knowledge about the new invasive insect pest the farmers have not tried to apply any controlling activity. Even though, this insect pest can be controlled by Cultural, Biological (parasitoids and predators), and Insecticide application, but the study area farmers could apply none of them to saves their mango fruit. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to identify and demonstrate better controlling practice to present as a management option which is going to adopt by study area farmers.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"MATERIALS and METHODS","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDescription of the site\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWolaita Zone is among the South Ethiopia Regional State administrative zone. Damote Woyde is one of the districts out of sixteen in Wolaita zone located in Great Rift Valley. The research was conducted at Damote Woyde district in Torasadebo kebele at farmers\u0026rsquo; field. The geographical system of Torasadebo kebele at experimental area located in \u0026ldquo;037\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003e 51\u003csup\u003e\u0026rsquo;\u003c/sup\u003e17\u0026rsquo;\u0026rsquo; _037\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003e 57\u003csup\u003e\u0026rsquo;\u003c/sup\u003e 20\u003csup\u003e\u0026rsquo;\u0026rsquo;\u003c/sup\u003e E and 06\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003e 51\u003csup\u003e\u0026rsquo;\u003c/sup\u003e 40\u003csup\u003e\u0026rsquo;\u0026rsquo;\u003c/sup\u003e_06\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003e 51\u003csup\u003e\u0026rsquo;\u003c/sup\u003e 45\u003csup\u003e\u0026rsquo;\u0026rsquo;\u003c/sup\u003eN. The range of Altitude at research trial area reached from 1458_1518 meter above sea level.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExperimental design and field trial\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFour farmers each had four WMS insect infested mango trees was selected and the trial had lain down. The design of experiment was RCBD with four replications. The experimental materials were Twelve Mango trees four plants selected per farmer. Spark 250 WG or Thiamethoxam, active ingredient thiamethoxam 25% WG which is neonicotinoid systemic insecticide in its action. It has been registered in Ethiopia for the control of Aphid, White fly, caterpillar, mango white scale and termites. The rates and formulation of insecticide were 15gm, 20gm, 25gm, and 30gm thiametoxam each has been dissolved with 1L water. Dimethoate, active ingredient Dimethoate 40% EC broad-spectrum organophosphate, also in its action it\u0026rsquo;s systemic insecticide. This insecticide registered in Ethiopia for the control of bean fly, Aphid, Thrips, and \u003cem\u003eHelicoverpa armigera\u003c/em\u003e on tomato. The rates and formulation were 15ml, 20ml, 25ml, and 30ml Dimethoate each has been diluted with 1L water. The mango fruit trees had been pruned, weeded, irrigated, and hoed to apply insecticides. Each rate of formulated insecticides had poured per mango tree by measuring 1.5m distance from the base of the tree. The frequency of insecticide application was three months interval after first application. Agronomic practice of pruning was carryout for one experimental trial without insecticide spray. The management action was not taken for control fruit trees which were used for comparisons.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eData collection\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe treatment effect had been measured by collecting various biological data. With the help of hand lens from the ten sample leaves collected from four cardinal directions of East-West and North-South per plant. Biological data of White Mango Scale insect Egg, Crawlers, Males and females were counted from colony and scored on prepared checklist. The experimental location data of geographic coordination Latitudinal, Longitudinal, and Altitude had been collected.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe collected data was organized by Microsoft Excel and prepared for analysis. The compiled data was analyzed by using SAS statistical software version 9.0 and mean separation computed by using Fisher\u0026rsquo;s LSD test at 5% probability.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"RESULT","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe infestation level of white mango scale insect at study location had wipeout entire mango fruit plants. Before management each life stage of white mango scale insect was very high in number as shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e. The average number of Egg was above 31 scored from the sampled mango leaves before management. The highest mean number for the rest of biological data such as crawler 9, male 7, and female 5 were scored before insecticide spray. Leaf damage index result scored 5 which was very severs before management. And also scale excrete colony was covered entire leaf before the application of management. Majority for scale colony score result was 5, and which was very sever and highly reducing the photosynthesis potential of the mango fruit plant. After intensive managements of pruning, weeding, hoeing, irrigating, and insecticide sprayed the population of white mango scale insect was significantly reduced Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e. The mean number for each biological life stage has reduced drastically on treated fruit tree. In reverse the White scale insect populations build up enhanced highly on control plot than treatment applied fruit trees Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e. The result of Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e exhibiting that among treatments had significant differences based on their efficacy. The analysis of variance result revealed that there were significance differences at \u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003eP\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01 level among treatments for majority of collected data. And the rest some of the data had shown significant differences at \u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003eP\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 level. The presence of significant differences among treatments on various life stages of white mango scale insect showing the trials have promising result to control this damaging insect pest.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe mean square result from analysis of variance for white mango scale insect different life stages, infestation and damage.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"10\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" 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colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.12\u003csup\u003ens\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTrt\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e611\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.6\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.4\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.6\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.6\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1835.1\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e690.7\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.7**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eError\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e83.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e266\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e142.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eKey\u003c/b\u003e: \u003cem\u003eTrt\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;treatment, Rep\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;replication, Df\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;degree of freedom, * ** = significantly different\u003c/em\u003e,\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLDI\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;leaf damage index, SEC\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;scale insect excrete colony.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe potential reduction of life stage for white mango scale insect after treatment application has shown that each treatment revealed better efficacy to control white mango scale insect than control fruit tree. The mean result after treatment application had exhibited potentially reduced for each biological life stage. Dimethoate sprayed plus pruned mango fruit tree has score minimum mean number for all collected data than the control plot as well as the rest of treatments. The mean result for egg (16.5), crawler (4.1), male (3.3), and female (1.1) were scored after treatment. The infestation of white mango scale insect was highly reduced from 90% to 35% after spraying of Dimethoate and pruning. The damage status of scale insect has reduced from 45% to 23% later on application of Dimethoate and pruning the fruit tree. The leaf damage index also has scored minimum mean number which was 2 after the application of Dimethoate and pruning. The scale excrete colony also has considerably reduced from 5 to 2 after application of Dimethoate and pruning which has significant importance to enhance the photosynthesis capacity of the fruit tree plant Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e. Therefore, this result showed that Dimethoate 40% EC systemic insecticide plus pruning mango fruit tree have revealed the highest efficacy to control white mango scale insect due to its minimum mean score than the rest treatments.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe mean separation value result from analysis of variance for white mango scale insect different life stages, infestation and damage.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"9\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTrt\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEgg\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCrawler\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLDI\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eInfestation\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDamage or\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeverity\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSEC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDimethoate 40%EC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.5\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.1\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.3\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.1\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e35\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpark 250 WG or Thiamethoxam 25% WG\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.6\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.1\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.1\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.2\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e56\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30.6\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.5\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePruning\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.1\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.7\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.3\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.6\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e65\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34.6\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.7\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eControl\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36.7\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.8\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.4\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.3\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e85\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e45.7\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.8\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMean\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLSD\u003csub\u003e5%\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCV%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e42.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e29.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e41.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"9\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eKey\u003c/b\u003e: \u003cem\u003eTrt\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;treatment, LSD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;least significant difference, CV\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;coefficient of variation. Means with the\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003edifferent letters are significantly different. And vice-verse is true for non-significantly different.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe entire tested insecticides and pruning practices had been effective to control this damaging insect pest of mango white scale insect. The reduced mean of biological life stages, infestation and damage of white mango scale insect had the major wittiness for the effectiveness of the treatments to control this pest. The average result of Thiamethoxam 25% WG systemic insecticide sprayed plus pruned mango fruit tree had scored minimum mean as compared to control fruit tree. The mean result for Egg (20.6), Crawler (5.1), Male (4.1), and Female (2.2) were recorded after treatment application. The infestation and damage were also reduced after Thiamethoxam application and pruning. Leaf damage index and scale excrete colony had significantly reduced after the application of Thiamethoxam and pruning Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFruit tree management by pruning has potentially minimized the white mango scale insect population. Mango fruit tree pruning had opened the fruit tree for light penetration, aeration and disturbed the environment by made not conducive to white mango scale insect reproduction and build up. Through reducing overcrowded leaves, removing dry leaves, cutting the branches which was dried and bended on the ground could reduce the infestation and damage of white mango insect pest. The minimum mean result of egg (25), crawler (5.7), male (4.3), and female (3) were scored after pruning which was significantly decreased number as compared to control fruit tree. The leaf damage index and scale excrete colony had shown less number when comparing to control and which could enhance the photosynthesis capacity of the fruit plant to increase the fruit yield. The white mango scale insect population build up alarmingly enhanced on none treated mango fruit tree and which reduces the yield, edible and marketable quality of the fruit and photosynthesis potential of mango fruit tree Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe white mango scale insect population before management was very high on selected mango fruit plants. Average value for each life stage has extremely high as displayed in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e. The significant number of population reduction has shown for each white mango scale insect life stages after intensive managements. Before insecticide spraying collected data showed that the range of infestation was 60 to 85 percent Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e. After management the infestation was reduced significantly to each treatment except for control plot which was increased drastically. Before management the damage was very serious and out of ten samples leaves 40 percent damage level scored for above six leaves. The scale excretes cover the leaves in average four colony per leaf which reduces the photosynthesis capacity of the fruit plant. Due to sever infestation and damage before management the leaves of the plants were dried and flowers were aborted. As revealed by Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e the level of damage was reduced significantly after management.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"DISCUSSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study has used local varieties which were giant mango fruit plants from farmers\u0026rsquo; field to apply the treatments. Before treatment application the mango fruit tree had properly weeded, hoed, pruned and irrigated for easy of treatment application. Similar result has been reported by [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e], he was reported about keeping the mango tree sizes at a manageable stature through pruning is very essential for ease of insecticide spray for the desired response in the control of pests and diseases. The population of White Mango Scale insect infestation was extremely high before treatment application on selected mango fruit trees. Then it has potentially reduced after intensive interventions. This result aligned with the finding result \u003cem\u003eof\u003c/em\u003e [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e] who reported that the infestations of white mango scale insect in all mango trees before treatment application were highly abundant in both seasons. However, significant reductions were observed in the number of live scales two weeks after each successive spraying. The systemic insecticide of Dimethoate 40% EC plus pruning of fruit tree had shown the highest mortality of white mango scale insect. The soil drenched 20ml Dimethoate systemic insecticide diluted with one (1) litter water per tree plus fruit tree pruning had exhibited significant reduction of white mango scale insect. As reported the same finding of the highest efficacy to control WMS insect through spraying of Dimethoate 40% EC (11.8) and Toran 240 (15.2) have significantly decreased the number of WMS insect [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e]. The observed minimum mean result of Dimethoate sprayed plus pruned fruit tree had revealed promising hope to control this devastating insect pest of mango fruit Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e and Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e.The estimated reduction of 49% biological life stages of white mango scale insect, infestation and damage hand been achieved by this study from Dimethoeate sprayed and pruned mango fruit plant. Hence, using insecticide or agrochemical in integrated way through cultural practice like fruit tree pruning and irrigation had very important tool for immediate solution to control crop destructive insect pest like white mango scale insect to enable food and nutritional security. Therefore, this study has confirmed that soil drenching of systemic insecticides together with intensive agronomic management of pruning and irrigation can suppress mango white scale infestation and reduce damage status of the fruit. The effectiveness of Dimethoate insecticide to control white mango scale insect has been reported by the research finding of [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e], Dimethoate 40%EC, Chloropyrifos, and methidathion have been found successful in reducing the population of white mango scale insect. And also this research finding has agreed with the [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e], who reported that the Chemical control is necessary when crops are heavily infested with a pest, especially in the case of production of fruits for export. Its option is important to offer instant solution to enable production of blemish-free fruits. The uses of insecticides (organophosphates, pyrethroids and neonicotinoids) have been shown to reduce \u003cem\u003eA. tubercularis\u003c/em\u003e populations on mango trees. Treating Mango fruit tree by thiamethoxam 25% WG systemic insecticide and fruit tree pruning had significantly reduced white mango scale insect population next to Dimethoate 40% EC. Out of four rate of insecticide formulation White mango scale insect population of biological life, infestation and damage had been reduced economically feasible and none toxic effects on fruit plant at 20gm dissolved with one liter water drenched per infested mango fruit tree. The systemic insecticide Thiamethoxam 25% WG drenched in the base of fruit tree by measuring 1.5m distance and mango fruit tree pruned had scored 27% reduction of white scale population, infestation and damage from mango fruit. This research result has coincided with [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e], they were reported that the integrated use of a systemic soil drenching insecticide (Thiamethoxam 25% WG) and tree management can significantly reduce the number of WMS life stages on infested mango trees. And also similar finding reported about the principles of applying systemic insecticide to control sucking insects arises from the fact that they diffuse through the soft parts of the host plant and reach the pest [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]. The fruit tree management by pruning only without insecticide spraying has reduced white scale population significantly. Mango fruit tree pruning by opening overcrowded foliage and removing unnecessary parts from fruit plant had allowed for the penetration of sunlight, aeration and disturbed the reproduction of the insect to control white mango scale insect. This research result has shown 14.5% white scale population reduction after pruning of the infested mango fruit tree. As reported the pruning had significantly decreased the number of white mango scale (23.83 compared to non-pruned (31.97) trees. This could be due to the fact that tree pruning eliminate infested twigs and branches thereby reduced tree infestation by WMS [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e]. Similar research finding reported by [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e], Pruning is the most important cultural practice that contributes significantly to the management of the white mango scale. It involves the elimination of old dried branches, overlapped shoots, and infested parts. And also exposed the tree to air entrance and thus reduces humidity and discourages hiding and oviposition of the white mango scale insect. The same result by[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e] had reported, pruning is an essential management practice in the control of scale insect infestation on mango. The WMS insect populations build up was alarmingly increased on control mango fruit tree. The biological life stages, infestation and damage on mango fruit tree by white scale insect increased about 22.8% on non-treated control mango fruit trees had confirmed through this research. The 20ml Dimethoate 40% EC and 20gm Thiamethoxam 25% WG per tree within three months interval had been used for this study due to the giant size of local variety mango fruit tree which were above the recommended amount of 6gm per tree in Ethiopia. The insecticide residual toxic effect in fruit and biological control option needs further study.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"CONCLUSSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe importance of well-established internal quarantine system for importing planting materials from elsewhere has been confirmed later on observing devastated mango fruit farm by newly occurred \u003cem\u003eAulacaspis tubercularis\u003c/em\u003e insect pest in Ethiopia. This invasive WMS insect pest has distributed throughout the country due to lack of strong internal quarantine system. This has shown that concerned government body has full responsibility to prevent the commodity of the country and lead the campaign to control this insect pest and save the mango fruit from devastation.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis research result has revealed the highest morality rate of WMS insect achieved through integrated management of soil drenching systemic insecticides plus fruit tree pruning. Dimethoate 40% EC spraying plus fruit tree pruning has highly effective for the control of WMS insect. Considerable reduction of 49% of WMS insect pest population has been scored by using Dimethoate plus fruit tree pruning. Thiamethoxam 25% WG plus fruit tree pruning decreased 27% infestation and damage of mango fruit caused by WMS insect. Without insecticide application only fruit tree pruning has reduced 14.5% insect pest population from mango fruit plant. The populations\u0026rsquo; buildup of \u003cem\u003eAulacaspis tubercularis\u003c/em\u003e has been enhanced alarmingly on a control mango fruit plant which was 22.8% more. Therefore, the toxic effects of insecticides in edible fruit and biological control option for this insect pest have open for future investigation.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgments\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors have great acknowledgement to South Ethiopia Agricultural Research Institute and Areka Agricultural Research Center for facilitating logistics to conduct this Research.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndualem Alemayehu: Conceptualization, Methodology, Data Collection, Formal Analysis, Writing \u0026ndash; Original Draft Preparation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZerhun Tomas: Conceptualization, Methodology, Data Collection, Supervision, Validation, Writing \u0026ndash; Review \u0026amp; Editing\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study was funded by Climate Action through Landscape Management Project (CALM). \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData availability\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy or ethical restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to Participate declaration\u003c/strong\u003e: Not applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable. The authors declare that this is the original research study and that it has neither been submitted nor been concurrently submitted in any other journal for publication.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConflict of interest\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAzrag AGA et al. (2022). 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White Mango Scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Diaspididae) in Ethiopian Mangifera indica Orchards: A Peer-reviewed Official International Journal of Wallaga University, Ethiopia, (January). \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.20372/afnr.v1i2.848\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.20372/afnr.v1i2.848\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHabtegebriel B, et al. Integrated Control of the White Mango Scale Through Tree Management and Soil Drenching with a Systemic Insecticide in Western Ethiopia. J Agric Sci. 2020;30(2):25\u0026ndash;32.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOfgaa D, Emana G, Kahuthia-Gathu R. Population dynamics of white mango scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in Western Ethiopia. Afr J Agric Res. 2018;13(31):1598\u0026ndash;605. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.5897/ajar2018.13176\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.5897/ajar2018.13176\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRaza ST, et al. A Review on White Mango Scale Biology, Ecology, Distribution and Management. Agric (Switzerland). 2023;13(9):1\u0026ndash;20. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091770\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.3390/agriculture13091770\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYaregal W. White Mango Scale (Aulacaspis tubercularis) Management approaches: A Review. Global J Agricultural Res. 2022;10(2):36\u0026ndash;45. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.37745/gjar.2013/vol10no2pp.36-45\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.37745/gjar.2013/vol10no2pp.36-45\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYohannes. (2020). Management of white mango scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis (Homoptera: Diaspididae) using pruning, oils and pesticides in Eastern Wellega, Ethiopia. MSc Thesis.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"},{"header":"Photos","content":"\u003cp\u003ePhotos 1 and 2 are available in the Supplementary Files section\u003c/p\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"White mango scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis, Systemic insecticide, mango","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8081322/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8081322/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRecently, white mango scale (Aulacaspis tubercularis) has become the most destructive insect pest on mango trees in Ethiopia. This insect pest has been imported to our country, Ethiopia, a decade ago with planting materials from India. Because of its newly emerging in our country Ethiopia, mango fruit producers in our region have no idea about the control option. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify and demonstrate better management options to control Aulacaspis tubercularis\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003eAn experiment was conducted by using systemic insecticides, namely Dimethoate 40% EC, and Thiamothoxam 25% WG, and tree pruning in randomized complete block design using four farmers as replications. The rates and formulation of insecticides were 15, 20, 25, and 30 ml and gm used per tree. The insecticides were sprayed within three months interval later on proper management and pruning of mango fruit plant. The analysis of variance result has shown a highly significant difference at\u003c/em\u003e \u003csup\u003e\u003cem\u003e**\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003eP\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01 among treatments for the majority of collected data, and the rest has revealed a significant difference at\u003c/em\u003e \u003csup\u003e\u003cem\u003e*\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003eP\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 level. Dimethoate 40% EC plus pruning gave the most reduction (49%) in insect population followed by Thiamethoxam 25% WG plus pruning (27%), whereas tree pruning reduced insect population by 14.5% compared to control. The present study suggested that in addition to tree pruning, the application of 20ml Dimethoate 40% EC an 20gm Thiamethoxam 25% WG per tree within three months interval would be used to reduce white mango scale insect infestation. In future insecticide residual toxic effect in edible fruit and biological control options need further investigation.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Integrated Management Practice of White Mango Scale (Aulacaspis Tubercularis L.) Insect in South Ethiopia Wolaita Zone at Damote Woyde District Ofhagaza Watershed Development.","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-12-01 17:30:06","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8081322/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"7ef5d6ea-b48c-4509-aa56-efb19ae966bf","owner":[],"postedDate":"December 1st, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-03-26T13:41:24+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-12-01 17:30:06","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8081322","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8081322","identity":"rs-8081322","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}