Abstract:
Mango gall fly (Procontarinia matteiana Kieffer&Cecconi, 1906) is an orchard pest that infests
flush leaves of mango, forming wart-like structures on the leaves. Serious outbreaks may
result in reduced fruit yield. A natural parasite (Chrysonotomyia pulcherimma Kerrich, 1970)
of the gall fly lays its eggs inside the gall and the larvae feed on the gall fly. Mango cultivars
present varying susceptibilities to gall fly infestation, with cultivars ranging from completely
resistant, highly susceptible to intermediate stages where pseudo-galls are formed. The
latter cultivars are ovipositioned by the gall fly, but secondary metabolites within the leaves
possibly halt the development, thereby preventing the development of true galls. Microscopy
was used to identify characteristic features of the gall fly and its parasite inside the gall,
to study the development of the insects and to distinguish them. Evidence was obtained that
the use of insecticides curbs the development of the larvae. Tissue development within true
and pseudo-galls was studied to provide insights into the role of secondary plant metabolites
in arresting true gall formation. This study will contribute to a more holistic approach to
pest management of mango.
