Tobih, F.O, Omoloye, A.A., Ivbijaro, M.F., & Enobakhare, D.A. 2002 Effects of field infestation by Rastrococcus invadens Williams (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on the morphology and nutritional status of mango fruits, Mangifera indica L.. Nigeria Crop Protection 21(9): 757-761.

Notes: Investigations at Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria assessed the effects of field infestations of Rastrococcus invadens on the morphology and nutritional contents of mango, Mangifera indica L. fruit. Five ripe and unripe fruits were plucked from each of the four randomly selected fruit bearing trees (>135 cm diameter at breast height by 9.7 m high) with different levels of crown infestation. Infestation of fruits caused significant (P<0.05) reduction in weight and size of fresh mango fruits compared to the uninfested control. Similarly, field infestation also caused significant (P<0.05) reduction in the ash content, crude fibre and reducing sugar levels of both ripe and unripe fruits compared to the control. Fat content of infested and uninfested unripe fruits were not significantly different (P>0.05). Ripe mango fruits contained significantly higher (P<0.05) crude protein than unripe fruits. Potassium, phosphorus and sodium in ripe and unripe fruits were significantly (P<0.05) higher than other available elements on a dry matter basis. Severe infestation did not significantly (P>0.05) affect the status of microelements (iron, sodium and copper) compared to the control.