Management of insect pests and diseases of cashew nuts (Anacardium occidentale L.) in production areas

Abstract

The cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale L.) is a growing cash crop. Its nuts represent an export opportunity for Africa and an attractive economic alternative for producing countries. However, several abiotic and biotic factors compromise its productivity. Insects‟ pests such as Mecocorynus loripes, Apate terebrans, Helopeltis spp., Pseudotherapus wayi, Pseudococcus longispinus, Anoplocnemis curvipes are the most harmful to cashew plantation. Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides followed by bacterial blight due to Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. anacardii and powdery mildew caused by Oidium anacardii are the main damaging diseases. The pestalotiosis insited by Pestalotia heterocornis and rust caused by Cryptosporiopsis spp. are minor. Control methods are mainly based on the use of pesticides, cultural practices, resistant varieties and biological control. The insects pest control methods considered include mechanical management and cultural, chemical and resistance assessment approaches. Despite the reported economic damage caused to producers by cashew pests and diseases, there is little up-to-date critical information on their current status and management in Africa. Therefore, this review article examinesthe status of the major cashew nut pests and diseases and their management methods. This information will be essential for farmers to make significant improvements in cashew nut production in Africa.