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:

Fruit bagging for mangoes against fruit flies should be done when fruits are small to medium-sized (e.g., "egg-sized" or a bit larger) but well before they start to ripen and become highly attractive to flies. About 60 days (or 6-8 weeks) before expected harvest is a common recommendation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Bagging of fruits is a physical protection method used to prevent damage from pests like fruit flies, and also to improve fruit appearance or protect from sunburn. For fruit fly control in mangoes, bagging is done when the fruits are still young and developing, well before they become attractive to fruit flies for oviposition (egg-laying). The timing is critical:
Too early: May interfere with very early fruit development or pollination if done before fruit set.
Too late: Fruit flies may have already infested the fruits. Mango fruits typically take several months to develop from fruit set to maturity. Fruit flies are attracted to developing and ripening fruits. Bagging is usually done when the fruits have reached a certain small size (e.g., marble size to egg size), but are still hard and green. This stage occurs significantly before harvest.
(1) 30 Days before harvesting: This is likely too late for effective fruit fly prevention, as fruits would be quite developed and attractive to flies by then.
(2) 60 Days before harvesting (approx. 2 months): This is a commonly recommended timeframe. At this stage, fruits are usually well-set and have grown to a size where bagging is feasible, and it provides protection during the crucial period of susceptibility to fruit fly attack as they approach maturity.
(3) 90 Days before harvesting (approx. 3 months): This could also be effective, depending on the variety and its total development period. It ensures very early protection.
(4) 120 Days before harvesting (approx. 4 months): This might be too early for some varieties, as fruits might be very small or still in very early development stages where bagging could be cumbersome or potentially detrimental. Considering typical mango development and fruit fly behavior, bagging around 45-60 days after fruit set, which often corresponds to about 60 days before harvesting for many varieties, is a practical and effective timing. This period allows the fruit to develop sufficiently within the bag and protects it during its most vulnerable phase leading up to maturity. 60 Days before harvesting