First record of Diastocera trifaciata (Fabricius, 1775) (Insecta, Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) as pest of mango (Mangifera indica L.) in Eritrea

Brhane, Daniel and Haile, Adugna and Yosief, Dina and Fikadu, Merhawi and Kóbor, Péter (2025) First record of Diastocera trifaciata (Fabricius, 1775) (Insecta, Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) as pest of mango (Mangifera indica L.) in Eritrea. ACTA PHYTOPATHOLOGICA ET ENTOMOLOGICA HUNGARICA, 60 (2). pp. 206-214. ISSN 0238-1249

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Abstract

Mango ( Mangifera indica L.) is a tropical woody plant with its fruit is rich source of vitamin A, C, D and other medicinal properties that is also an important horticultural crop in Eritrea. Mango production is affected by various insect pests, diseases, and abiotic factors, leading to reduced yields. The mango twig girdler [ Diastocera trifasciata (Fabricius, 1775)] is a xylophagous cerambycid insect pest that causes significant economic damage to mango and other woody trees in an increasing range across the African continent. This study reports the first occurrence of this insect in mango cultivation areas of Eritrea, through the example of a survey carried out in Zoba Anseba, along the banks of the Anseba River. The mango twig gridler was found to be prevalent in all surveyed plantations: an average of 32 cut branches per tree and up to 92 oviposition sites per branch was counted, which means reducing yield by cutting fruit bearing branches Additionally, the insect was observed infesting Ficus sycomorus , Adansonia digitata , and Jatropha species. Farmers traditionally manage the pest population by using the infested branches as firewood, as these branches harbor the larvae and pupal stages of the insect.

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