Batocera rufomaculata, commonly known as Fig borer, tropical
fig borer, mango stem borer, a long-horn beetle originating from Asia, was
described by Charles De Geer in 1775. It infests various trees including Ficus
carica, Carica papaya, Mangifera indica, and Shorea robusta, posing a threat to
fruit tree cultivation, particularly mangoes, by causing yield loss and tree
death.
Human activities have spread globally, affecting
regions like Israel, Madagascar, and the Virgin Islands. Control efforts face
challenges due to its broad host range and susceptibility to parasitic
infection by Avetianella batocerae. Effective management strategies focus on
monitoring, quarantine, and biological controls to mitigate its impact on
agriculture and forestry.
