Mango Pulp Weevil (Sternochetus Frigidus): an Invasive Species with Economic Significance in the Philippines. (1st August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dhang, Partho
• Is Part Of: Outlooks on pest management. Volume 26:Number 4(2015:Jul./Aug.)
• Page Start: 157
• Page End: 159
• Publication Date: 2015-08-01
• Subjects: Pesticides -- Periodicals; Pesticides -- Application -- Periodicals; 632.905
• DOI: 10.1564/v26_aug_04
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-1034

Abstract

Mango is the third most important fruit crop in the Philippines, based on export volume and value. It is ranked next to banana and pineapple. Locally grown mango varieties have established a large domestic and international market, in both fresh and processed forms. In 2011, the Philippines recorded a total production area of 187, 000 hectares for this crop, which yielded a production of 788, 000 metric tonnes of fresh mango. The same year the country exported 21, 081 metric tonnes of fresh mango worth $16 million. Exports from the country generally takes place to destinations such as Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and USA. For dried fruit, top export markets include USA, Japan, Hong Kong, Canada and China. Among a dozen provinces, the province of Palwan is a major producer of mango in the Philippines. However, production has shown a decline over the years linked to the mango quarantine action that was implemented when the pest Sternochetus frigidus or Mango pulp weevil (MPW) was detected in the province. The pest feeds on the flesh of the mango fruit and destroys both value and marketability of the product. The author describes the problem and outlines possible approaches to its control.