Finding worms in mangoes? Blame it on recent climatic shifts
Bengaluru: Choosing delicious and quality mangoes from a fresh pile at the market could be a tricky business. But if you find worms in the king of fruits this summer, it may not be the fault of vendors but rather the result of changing climatic conditions affecting the mango crop, say horticulture experts.
Unlike in previous years, fluctuating temperatures and sudden rainfall over the past couple of months have severely impacted mango production. The unusual increase in temperature and elevated soil moisture between Feb and April across mango-growing regions have resulted in greater pest infestation of the fruits.
"The worms you find in fruit are the result of this infestation by fruit flies and thrips. But not all mangoes are infected by pests, only some arriving in the market in the middle and towards the end of the mango season," explained CG Nagaraj, managing director of Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation Ltd.
While 2025 was expected to be a productive season for mangoes, climatic variations have turned it into an off-season with a notable decrease in yield. "Because of bounteous rainfall, there was delayed flowering this year. While it should flower in Dec-Jan normally, flowering was noticed in Jan-Feb because of physiological stress in the plants. During that time, the mercury levels rose abnormally up to 32-34C. This affected the pollination and setting of fruit," Nagaraj said.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
굶어도 안 빠져?! '이것' 먹고 "내장지방'' 싹~ 녹였어요!
한미 면역 DIET
더 알아보기
Undo
The extreme temperature and early onset of summer showers created favourable conditions for thrips and fruit flies. A technical officer from the mango corporation explained: "Usually, their larvae are present in soil. As rain in summer increases humidity levels and moisture in soil, thrips come out and feed on fruits that are setting, and lay eggs in them. They wouldn't even damage the fruit but pierce it at one point and lay eggs before disappearing.
"
The board has been working to control infestation by distributing pest traps and educating farmers on the methods to manage these pests. While many farmers have successfully controlled pests, the smaller and marginal ones have struggled, affecting the quality of their produce.
Meanwhile, India Meteorological Department's forecast of an early monsoon is expected to cause further damage to the crop, particularly affecting late mid-season and late-season varieties such as Malgova and Neelam.
Strong winds have already impacted heavy fruit varieties such as Imam Pasand, Mallika, and Malgova.
Despite these challenges, early mango varieties from Ramanagara and Bengaluru Rural districts have completed their market cycles. Mid-season and late mid-season varieties are currently available, marking the peak of mango season.
However, an official from the mango corporation warned that because of early onset of monsoon, the mango season might end by the first week of June, whereas it typically extends throughout the month.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
19 minutes ago
- Mint
Monsoon arrives in Delhi, advances into parts of Rajasthan, western UP, and Haryana - Check IMD's forecast
In a big relief to Delhiites from the scorching heat, monsoon arrived in the national capital on Sunday, a day ahead of the normal date of June 30. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), monsoon had advanced over the remaining parts of the country nine days before the usual date of July 8. The weather agency said that the Southwest monsoon on June 29 advanced further into the remaining parts of Rajasthan, western Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, while covering the entire Delhi region. With this, the Southwest monsoon has covered the entire country. At 0830 hrs IST today, a low-pressure area persisted over the Northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts. The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 7.6km above mean sea level. This is likely to move slowly west-northwestward across North Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, and Jharkhand during the next two days. According to IMD data, this is the earliest the monsoon has covered the entire country since 2020, when it did so by June 26. The rain-bearing system usually begins over Kerala by June 1 and covers the entire country by July 8. It starts retreating from northwest India around September 17 and withdraws completely by October 15. This year, the monsoon reached Kerala on May 24, its earliest onset over the Indian mainland since 2009, when it arrived on May 23. Supported by strong low-pressure systems over the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, the monsoon advanced rapidly over the next few days, covering areas up to central Maharashtra, including Mumbai and the entire northeast by May 29. However, this was followed by a prolonged stagnation of around 18 days, from May 29 to June 16. Though it gradually covered the remaining parts of the country in the days that followed, its arrival in Delhi and adjoining areas was delayed due to anti-cyclonic winds over the region that hindered the flow of monsoon currents. The Met department has issued an orange alert for multiple districts in Himachal Pradesh, as the state continued to witness heavy rainfall, particularly in Shimla, the capital city. According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, an orange alert has been issued for Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Kullu, and Mandi. This alert indicates the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over the next 48 hours. Additionally, yellow alerts have been issued for Kangra, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Chamba, forecasting light to moderate rainfall in these regions. The weather agency has warned of light to moderate rainfall at many places in the districts of Bilaspur, Solan, Shimla, Sirmaur, Hamirpur, Mandi, and Kangra, with a few spells of intense to very intense rainfall likely to occur at isolated places. 'Light to moderate rainfall is likely to occur at a few places in the Districts of Kullu, Una, and Chamba,' it said.
Time of India
20 minutes ago
- Time of India
Odisha weather update: IMD issues alerts for heavy rain in 16 districts amid Jagannath Rath Yatra
Amid all the grand celebrations of the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow alerts across several districts in the state. The warning is issued for torrential rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, winds, and possible hailstorms for the next seven days. Reason behind According to the IMD, a low-pressure system is expected to form over the northwest Bay of Bengal by Sunday, It is triggered by an existing cyclonic circulation over Southwest Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal. This weather system is likely to move inland, affecting large parts of northern Odisha and neighbouring Jharkhand, and bringing sustained rain through July 4. Alerts Across Odisha Orange alert which means be ready : IMD has issued an orange alert for 16 districts including Keonjhar, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Khordha, Ganjam, and Puri, among others. These regions can expect very heavy rainfall (64.5 mm to 115.5 mm) along with thunderstorms and wind. Yellow alert which means be aware : IMD has a yellow alert for Kendrapada, Jajpur, Angul, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Boudh, Balangir, and Kalahandi. These regions can get moderate to heavy showers accompanied with lightning. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo In addition, the coastal districts have also been cautioned about rough sea conditions. Local authorities have advised fishermen to suspend operations through midweek. Jagannath Rath Yatra might get affected The Jagannath Rath Yatra, which is among the most important religious festivals in the country. The festival takes place every year in Puri and the event is attended by lakhs of devotees from across the globe. These devotees pull huge wooden chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra through the streets. But with the current weather condition, officials fear disruptions to the festivities as it might cause slippery roads and flooded lanes, among other problems. The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) has been placed on alert. They have been asked to keep drainage systems clear to prevent flooding along with setting up emergency shelters. Quick-response teams in high-risk regions are also asked to be placed in case an emergency arrives. The IMD has urged local authorities and residents along the system's path to remain aware and ready for potentially severe weather conditions.
New Indian Express
22 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Monsoon reaches Delhi; covers entire country 9 days early
NEW DELHI: The monsoon on Sunday covered Delhi two days after the normal date of June 27 and advanced over the remaining parts of the country nine days before the usual date of July 8, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. According to IMD data, this is the earliest the monsoon has covered the entire country since 2020 when it did so by June 26. The rain-bearing system usually makes its onset over Kerala by June 1 and covers the entire country by July 8. It starts retreating from northwest India around September 17 and withdraws completely by October 15. This year, the monsoon reached Kerala on May 24, its earliest onset over the Indian mainland since 2009, when it arrived on May 23. Supported by strong low-pressure systems over the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, the monsoon advanced rapidly over the next few days, covering areas up to central Maharashtra, including Mumbai and the entire northeast by May 29. However, this was followed by a prolonged stagnation of around 18 days, from May 29 to June 16. Though it gradually covered the remaining parts of the country in the days that followed, its arrival in Delhi and adjoining areas was delayed due to anti-cyclonic winds over the region that hindered the flow of monsoon currents.
