Molecular analysis, morphology and integrated pest management of Aulacaspis tubercularis on Mangifera indica in Ethiopia

Bc. Lukáš Machek

Diplomová práce

Abstract:

White Mango Scale (Aulacaspis tubercularis) is currently one of the most destructive pests affecting mango (Mangifera indica) in Ethiopia, posing a serious threat to mango production. The main objective of this thesis was to deepen the scientific understanding of this pest through a combination of morphological, molecular, and socio-agronomic approaches. Specifically, through microscopic examination of female individuals using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), optimisation of a DNA extraction and PCR protocol for future DNA barcoding, and a field survey of local farmers' management practices. Sample collection was conducted in the Southern, Central and Western parts of Ethiopia, SEM and experimental protocol optimisation were conducted at the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague. A unique level of microscopic magnification of female WMS individuals was achieved, together with describing interesting morphological structures of the WMS individuals. An edited functional protocol for DNA barcoding was acquired, and local A. tubercularis management methods were surveyed with a questionnaire distributed among smallholder farmers, who used mostly chemical and physical treatment of infested trees. To improve the success rate, future studies shall focus on improving the DNA extraction and amplification processes. To obtain a more self-consistent morphological array, SEM should be used on different White Mango Scale developmental stages. These early results may provide an useful basis for advancing research and refining approaches to pest identification and integrated management.

Keywords

mango, DNA barcoding, optimisation process, observation practice

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 26. 4. 2025

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Obhajoba proběhla 3. 6. 2025
• Vedoucí: Ing. Olga Leuner, Ph.D.
• Oponent: Tereza Beránková, Ph.D.

Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze

Fakulta tropického zemědělství

Magisterský studijní program:
Tropical Crop Management and Ecology