This is a destructive and specific pest of drumstick trees in South India. Moths emerge with the onset of the monsoon and lay eggs in clusters on leaves and tender stems.
Damage Symptoms:
Caterpillars feed in groups, scraping the bark and chewing the foliage.
Severe infestations can result in the complete defoliation of the tree.
Preventive Measures:
Install light traps to attract and eliminate adults immediately after rainfall.
Control Measures:
Spray chlorpyriphos 20 EC, quinalphos 25 EC, or endosulfan 35 EC at 1 L mixed in 500-750 L of water per hectare.
