TEA :: MAJOR PEST :: TEA TORTRIX

6. Tea tortrix: Homona coffearia (Tortricidae: Lepidoptera)
Damage symptoms : Caterpillars make leaf nests by webbing the leaves using silken threads and feed from inside. Single caterpillar makes several cases. Young larvae prefer tender leaves while the older larvae prefer matured leaves.
Bionomics :

Brown coloured adult moth is bell shaped in outline while at rest. Eggs are laid in masses on the upper surface of mature leaves. Egg period 6 – 8 days, larva green, larval period 20-30 days. Pupation takes place inside the leaf cases. Pupa green initially and turns reddish brown later. Pupal period 9 – 15 days.

Management
Spray endosulfan 35 EC or phosalone 50 EC or chlorpyriphos 20 EC or malathion 50 EC 1000 ml with 500 L water/ha