CARDAMOM :: MAJOR PEST :: EARLY CAPSULE BORER

6. Early capsule borer: Lampides elpis; Jamides sp. (Lycaenidae: Lepidoptera) 
Damage symptoms
         The larva feeds on the buds, flowers and capsule making a circular bore hole on the developing capsules. The capsules become yellowish brown, dried, empty and shed.
Bionomics
Adult is a blue butterfly with wings having metallic luster on the upper surface and bordered with a white thin line and black shade. It lays eggs on the buds, flowers and inflorescence. Egg period 10 days. The larva is like slug, flat and pink measuring 2 – 3 cm long, larval period 18 – 20 days. Pupal period 15 days. Total life cycle is 45 days.
Management
Spray quinalphos 25 EC 1.5 L or carbaryl 50 WP 1 kg in 500 - 1000 L of water per ha.