Cambodia’s mango farmers face rising pest threats

Mango farmers in Cambodia are facing an increased risk of pest infestations, with Oddar Meanchey province identified as the most vulnerable, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This province, along with Kampong Speu and Battambang, forms the country's key mango-producing belt.

A recent FAO study found that Mealybugs, along with thrips, flower webworms, and mango gall midge, have been reported by farmers in Oddar Meanchey. The organization emphasized that timely pest monitoring and control measures are necessary to reduce the damage.

February is a critical month for mango flowering, and during this stage, leaf-feeding and sucking insects, as well as soil moisture deficits, could slow down plant growth. Ecology experts advise that sustainable practices, such as using natural predators, organic treatments like neem oil, and improved orchard sanitation, can help control pests while maintaining biodiversity.

The FAO’s January 2025 agricultural report noted that most mango trees are still in the vegetative stage, essential for strong growth, though some chemically induced off-season varieties are already flowering. Proper management is crucial to ensure healthy fruit development for the upcoming March 2025 harvest.

However, the March harvest often leads to market oversupply and price drops. To avoid this, farmers with sufficient water sources are advised to prune flowers now to boost production during the July-August season, when prices are higher.

The Growing Degree Days (GDD), a measure of heat accumulation needed for mangoes to reach maturity, is estimated to be between 3,500 and 4,000. Under normal conditions, this threshold will be reached by July, unless extreme weather such as erratic rainfall, drought, or heat stress disrupts the cycle.

source: khmertimeskh.com

photo: navuturesorts.com