Mango hopper
Small, wedge-shaped insects that suck sap from mango flower panicles, causing flowers and young fruit to dry and drop.
Also known as: Mango leafhopper, Mango jassid
Symptoms and identification
Clouds of tiny jumping insects when flower clusters are disturbed. Panicles turn brown and dry, flowers and pea-sized fruit drop, and leaves and flowers become sticky with honeydew and coated with black sooty mould.
Causes
Hoppers live in the bark and canopy all year and multiply rapidly when trees flower in late winter and spring, especially in dense, shady orchards with poor airflow.
Organic treatment
Spray neem oil (about 5 ml per litre with a little soap) when panicles start to emerge and again two weeks later, covering the trunk and branches. Avoid spraying during full bloom to protect pollinators.
Prevention
Prune trees to keep the canopy open and sunny. Inspect panicles from the time they start to emerge.
Chemical treatment (use with care)
Use an insecticide labelled for mango hoppers at the panicle emergence stage, following the label and avoiding open flowers visited by bees.