This refers to the article, entitled, "Mango killer disease in Sindh," ("Business Recorder" dated January 17, 2005) in which the writers believe that have detected and identified the pest, the Asian Ambrosia beetle (Xylosandrus crassiusculus) from infected mango plants from different areas of Sindh. The main symptoms of the damage caused by the beetle appears to be the excavated galleries in the twigs, branches or the small holes in the bark along with some parasitic fungi isolated from the damaged parts of the same plants.

Prior the publication of his article, on the identification of the Ambrosia beetle and the parasitic fungi, causing the rapid drying of the infected trees, people have given different opinion on this unknown disease.

For the control of the beetle and the fungi associated with the beetle, I would like to suggest the application of the insecticides; Orthin, Monocrotophos or Dimathoata in combination with the fungicides viz, Benlate, Bayleton and Bayton in 3:1 proportion (3 parts of any of these insecticides and I-part of a fungicide to be forced in as fumes inside the holes created by the Ambrosia beetle.

It is a complex disease in which six fungi have been identified.

It is further suggested, that the spraying and drenching of the affected tree in the plantation with the solution of the above pesticides should be carried out under the supervision of an expert in this field.

(The writer is Director Retired Crop Diseases Research Institute).

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005