Population dynamics of Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) on mango in Nayarit, Mexico

Population of the white mango scale (WMS) was monitored from Sep/08 to Aug/09 in Miramar, Atonalisco and Jalcocotán, Nayarit, Mexico with two mango cultivars (‘Ataulfo’ and ‘Tommy Atkins’). Population pattern of the WMS showed an increasing period from October to May, reaching the highest pick (5.8 scales/leave) in July. The lowest population period was during the rainy season (August-September). Averages of “colonies” (males), and females along the year were significantly higher in Miramar, than in Atonalisco or Miramar. All biological stages during the year were higher in Miramar, followed by Atonalisco, and Jalcocotan, which averaged: 0.78, 0.33 and 0.22 scales/leave, respectively. In addition, the yearly average of all biological stages was higher in ’Ataulfo’ (0.66 scales/leave) than in ‘Tommy Atkins’ (0.23 scales/leave) mango.