CARDAMOM :: MAJOR PEST :: GALERUCID BORER

8. Galerucid borer: Thamnuroides cardamomi (Galerucidae :Coleoptera)
Distribution and status: South India
Host range: Cardamom
Damage symptoms
         The adult beetle drill capsules and cause tiny, circular bore holes. The infested capsules drop off of disintegrates with a crater like entry hole permanently. Fine saw like frash thrown out indicates the presence of beetle.
Bionomics
         Adult is small dark brown cylindrical beetle with short hairs all over the body. Colourless barrel shaped 6 -12 eggs are laid in clusters in the capsule. The larva is white, soft bodied, wrinkled and slightly curved.
Management

•  Regulate shade in thickly shaded areas.
• Spray insecticides like quinalphos 25 EC or phosalone 35 EC 1 L during March, April, May, August and September in 500 - 1000 L per ha.