Question

To reduce the incidence of fruit fly in mango, bagging of fruits using brown paper is done

• A. 30 Days before harvesting
• B. 60 Days before harvesting
• C. 90 Days before harvesting
• D. 120 Days before harvesting

Hint:

Bagging also prevents mechanical scratching, minimizes chemical residue from sprays, and reduces physiological disorders like black spots.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) oviposits inside developing, semi-mature mango fruits.
Individual fruit bagging acts as a reliable physical barrier to protect the fruit from insect attack.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Bagging is performed when fruits reach the marble-to-egg stage of development, which is approximately 30 to 40 days before harvest.
This timing coincides with the period when developing fruits begin emitting volatile aromatic compounds that attract adult female fruit flies.
Bagging with brown paper or newspaper at this stage protects the fruit while ensuring proper peel color development.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Fruit bagging in mango should be performed 30 days before harvesting.