Bud worms are more active during the summer months in South India. The adult is a small insect with dark brown forewings and white hindwings that have a dark brown border.
Damage Symptoms:
The eggs are laid in groups on flower buds.
Larvae bore into the buds and feed on the inner contents, leading to shedding of up to 78% during summer.
Only one caterpillar is typically found inside a bud.
Infested buds rarely bloom and eventually fall to the ground.
Pupation occurs in the soil.
Preventive Measures:
Plough the soil around trees to expose and destroy the pupae.
Collect and dispose of damaged buds along with the caterpillars.
Set up light traps (1-2 per hectare) to attract and eliminate adults.
Control Measures:
Spray phosalone at 2 ml/l during the flower bud initiation and fruiting stages.
Use dichlorvos at 1 ml/l, applying two sprays at intervals of two weeks.
