PESTS OF PULSES - RED GRAM & CHICKPEA :: Minor Pests :: Pod Wasp

12. Pod wasp: Tanaostigmodes cajaninae (Tanaostigmatidae: Hymenoptera)

Distribution and status: Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar, Maharastra and Karnataka.

Host range: Red gram

Damage symptoms: The larva feeds on young seed of basal locules of pods causing complete abortion of the seed.  Larva also feeds on the pod wall after consuming the seed.  When the pod is attacked immediately after flower drop, it becomes dry and is shed.

1. Lava, 2. Adult

Bionomics: Eggs are laid on flowers and very young pods.  The white larva is apodous and 2-5 mm long when full-grown.  Larval stage lasts for 8-10 days.  Pupation is inside pod for 5-7 days.