9. Shoot borer: Chlumetia transversa (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera)

Damage symptoms : Neonate caterpillars bore into mid ribs of tender leaves, come out and bore into tender shoots near the growing point tunnelling downwards, throwing excreta through entrance hole. Leaves of affected shoots whither and droop down.

Bionomics : Adult moths are stout with green forewings. Young caterpillars are yellowish orange with dark brown prothoracic shield. Full grown caterpillars (20-24mm) are dark pink with dirty spots

Management

• Clip off and destroy affected shoots in initial stage of attack.
• In case of severe attack spray carbaryl two times at three weeks interval commencing from initiation of new flush of leaves