Mango Leaf Webber

📖 Description

Mango Leaf Webber (Orthaga euadrusalis) is an important pest of mango across the Indian subcontinent, particularly damaging in mango belts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu where mango is grown on over 2 million hectares. The larva is distinctive — it webs together several leaves at shoot tips with silk, creating a characteristic nest within which it feeds gregariously on the enclosed leaves. The webbing provides protection from natural enemies and insecticide contact, making control difficult unless webs are mechanically removed before spraying. Outbreaks are favoured by warm humid weather, dense canopy and excessive nitrogen. The pest is most damaging in young orchards (1-10 years) and neglected orchards with poor sanitation — mature, well-maintained orchards typically tolerate moderate infestations without significant yield loss. IPM with mechanical pruning and burning of webbed shoots (the single most effective control measure), Bt applications against exposed larvae, light trapping of adults, and conservation of native parasitoids provides effective control. The pest is most active during the post-monsoon period (September-November) and spring (March-May) when mango flushes new growth.