What's eating my african bush mango?

African bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis) is attacked by seed-boring beetles, fruit flies, and mealybugs in cultivation. Monkeys, parrots, and fruit bats consume ripe fruits and extract seeds. Post-harvest kernel damage by storage weevils is a major issue in West and Central African markets.

Larvae bore into drying kernels in storage; circular exit holes in the shell; kernels powdered and unfit for use Sun-dry kernels thoroughly before storage; store in sealed containers with inert dust (diatomaceous earth or wood ash); inspect regularly and remove infested lots

Oviposition punctures in ripening fruit skin; maggots tunnel through the flesh around the seed; premature fruit fall Protein-bait traps around the tree; harvest ripe fruits promptly; bury or bag fallen fruit to break the pupal cycle

White waxy masses on young shoots and leaf axils; honeydew and sooty mould; reduced growth of nursery trees Neem oil spray; introduce Cryptolaemus predatory beetles; prune affected shoots; ensure good canopy airflow