Economic importance and management strategies of the white mango scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), an invasive insect pest of mango (Mangifera indica) in Ethiopia: a review

The white mango scale is a small, armored scale insect that poses a significant threat to mango trees worldwide, affecting all growth stages from seedlings to mature trees. This pest feeds on various parts of the mango plant, including shoots, twigs, leaves, branches, and fruits, by extracting plant sap with its mouthparts. Symptoms of damage caused by the white mango scale include chlorosis of leaves, the development of pink blemishes on fruit, dieback, and even the complete death of young mango trees. Infested fruits exhibit lesions, increased susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections, and reduced storability, leading to losses in both yield and quality. The pest can cause total yield loss for mango growers and may negatively impact overall mango production and productivity if effective control measures are not implemented. Currently, control efforts for white mango scale primarily rely on chemical insecticides; however, many of these are ineffective and can harm the environment, human health, and beneficial insects. Considering this, it is crucial to explore alternative management options such as cultural practices, variety selection, biological control, and integrated pest management. Despite the economic significance of white mango scale, there is insufficient information regarding its management methods, and much of the literature indicates that mango growers in Ethiopia lack knowledge about effective control strategies. Therefore, this review aims to report the impacts of white mango scale infestation on mango plants and to explore potential management solutions in Ethiopia's mango-growing regions. Given the rapid spread and devastating effects of this pest, urgent attention is needed to control and prevent further damage to mango plants in Ethiopia.