Evaluation of neem and pongamia formulations for the management of leafhopper, Idioscopus nitidulus (Walker) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in mango

Mango leafhopper, Idioscopus nitidulus (Walker) is one of the major sucking pests of mango. Botanicals such as neem and pongamia are of greater importance in managing the pest population. A field experiment was carried out during 2016 and 2017 to evaluate four herbal formulations at different concentrations along with a positive (imidacloprid) and a negative (water) control. The results suggested that among the different concentrations, neem soap or pongamia soap sprayed at 5 g/l or neem herbal formulation or pongamia herbal formulation sprayed at 5 ml/l reduced the hopper population in both the study years. The research highlights the use of different botanicals in the management of leafhoppers in mango.