Feeding and reproductive behavior of the mango pulp weevil, Sternochetus frigidus (Fabr.), at different phenological stages of mango, Mangifera indica L.

Abstract

The behavioral activities of the mango pulp weevil (Sternochetus frigidus (Fabr.) was quantitatively determined and categorized by location. The sequence of mating and oviposition behavior was also documented. The mango flower at full-bloom and the chicken-egg-size green mango fruit are important in the life of the mango pulp weevil. At full-bloom stage, the weevil crawls on the flower to feed. When the fruit attains the size of a chicken egg, it becomes the mating and oviposition site. The mating behavior of the mango pulp weevil suggests that the female does not use chemical cues to initiate the mating process and that the male initiates mating by approaching the female. It is the full-bloom mango flower and chicken-egg-size mango fruit that likely mediate the behavior of the mango pulp weevil. It was established that the weevil is more of a crawler than a flier. The findings on the behavioral activities of the insect can now be used as basis in the development of effective control measures, particularly in identifying the feeding sites, proper timing of insecticide application and in making trap designs.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Agricultural Scientist

ISSN

317454

Page

282-289

Document Type

Article

Subject

Chicken-egg-size green mango fruit, Feeding site, Full-bloom mango flower, Mating behavior, Oviposition behavior

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