Farmers Told to Use Simple Method to Stop Mango Damage

The Punjab Agriculture Department has issued a crucial advisory to mango orchard owners in Faisalabad, urging them to ensure the daily disposal of fallen mangoes to prevent the spread of fruit fly infestations — a major threat to both crop yield and Pakistan’s mango exports.

A spokesperson from the Directorate of Agricultural Information explained that decaying mangoes serve as ideal breeding grounds for fruit fly larvae. If not properly discarded, these larvae can mature into adult flies and re-infest healthy fruits, leading to widespread crop damage.

To counter this risk, the department recommends that growers either bury the spoiled mangoes in deep pits away from orchards or expose them to direct sunlight on clean, cemented surfaces to destroy any eggs or larvae. Orchard owners have also been advised to strictly follow the practice of burying fallen fruit.

Additionally, the department stressed the importance of regularly inspecting pheromone monitoring traps used to catch male fruit flies. Growers must also replace methyl eugenol capsules on time to maintain trap effectiveness.