Narrow, Open Canopy Architecture Enables More Effective Management of Mango Scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead in Mango Orchards

Abstract

Pest management in horticultural crops must become more efficient, capitalising on non‐chemical means of pest reduction. In mango ( Mangifera Indica ), the development of highly productive orchard and canopy management systems offers a potential means to reduce pressure and damage from economically important pests such as mango scale ( Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead), but these effects have not previously been examined. High‐density narrow hedge and espalier canopy management systems were compared with Australian industry standard low‐density wide open‐vase canopies. Initially, female scale populations on infested foliage were assessed in three commercial mango varieties for the three canopy systems over three years. Scale fruit damage in the three canopy systems was then assessed in Calypso variety for two following harvests. Narrow canopy management systems had significantly fewer female scale present on foliage, and significantly less fruit damage from scale (64%–84% reduction), resulting in fewer fruit downgrades (58%–89% reduction). This effect may result from changes in the canopy microclimate, with a potential contribution from greater spray penetration in narrow canopies. We suggest that the adoption of highly productive mango canopy designs will provide additional benefit to farmers and consumers by improving pest control and potentially reducing pesticide use.