Seasonal occurrence of chiku moth [Nephopteryx eugraphella] (Ragonot) and bud borer [Anarsia achrasella] Bradley on Sapota

Abstract

Seasonal occurrence of bud boring insect pests viz., chiku moth (Nephopteryx eugraphella) and bud borer (Anarsia achrasella) on eight varieties of sapota as PKM-1, PKM-3, PKM-4, DHS-1, DHS-2, Kalipatti, Cricket ball and CO-3 revealed that the maximum bud damage due to chiku moth was observed during second fortnight of April to first fortnight of June to the extent of 9.93 to 10.78 per cent, while bud borer showed maximum infestation of 9.03 and 9.47 per cent during month of May and then decline from June onwards. The temperature and evaporation rate had significant influence on chiku moth and bud borer incedence. Among the varieties, CO-3 had comparatively low bud in pest infestation due to both pests. DHS-2 showed higher bud damage by chiku moth, whereas bud borer damage was higher in Kalipatti.