Mango Farmers Alert: Combat Hopper Pest Now for Bumper Harvest

• Western Uttar Pradesh's 'mango belt' faces a critical period in February as blossoms appear, attracting the destructive 'hopper' pest.
• The hopper pest sucks sap from leaves, flowers, and small fruits, leaving 'honeydew' which causes black sooty mold, hindering photosynthesis and fruit drop.
• Dr. I.K. Kushwaha of Krishi Vigyan Kendra warns that hoppers become active with rising temperatures, hiding in tree trunks before multiplying.
• Prevention involves clearing tall grass in orchards and preparing a specific solution: 2 ml Dimethoate + 1 gram Thiamethoxam per liter of water, plus a sticker.
• Effective spraying requires a fine nozzle and thorough application on both leaves and tree trunks to eliminate pests hidden in cracks.

Why It Matters: Act now against the hopper pest by proper spraying and orchard cleaning to secure a profitable mango harvest.