20 May 2025, Uttar Pradesh: Uttar Pradesh’s mango orchards, especially in Malihabad, are under threat from a severe pest outbreak caused by the paired fruit borer and the semilooper. Rising temperatures are fuelling the spread of these pests, raising alarms among growers and experts alike.
The ongoing infestation has already begun damaging the fruit quality across many orchards. According to the Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), these pests are laying eggs on developing mangoes and their stalks, leading to external scarring, taste deterioration, and reduced commercial value.
T. Damodaran, Director of CISH, explained that, “The paired fruit borer typically lays its eggs at the junction where two mangoes touch, while the semilooper attacks the tender outer skin of young fruits. Both pests significantly reduce the quality and marketability of the produce.”
While some commercial growers have adopted protective fruit bagging techniques to limit pest damage, this solution remains too expensive for many smallholder farmers. Those without access to bagging are being advised to use targeted sprays at identified pest hotspots.
The timing of this outbreak coincides with rising summer temperatures, which have provided an ideal environment for these insects to thrive. As heat continues to intensify, so does the urgency for effective pest control interventions.
If not addressed promptly, this infestation could result in substantial yield losses, affecting not only farmers’ incomes but also mango supply and pricing across the state.
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