Sawfly attacks typically occur at the early to mid-growth stages of cauliflower, usually during the rainy season and cooler temperatures. This pest is particularly damaging and is known for its mobility, attacking several cauliflower plants at once.
Damage Symptoms:
Sawfly larvae cause irregular holes in the leaves.
Severe feeding can lead to yellowing and scorched leaves, weakening and stunting the plant.
The larvae feed in groups, almost stripping the branches, resulting in reduced photosynthesis and poor head formation.
Preventive Measures:
Remove and destroy infested plant debris.
Control Measures:
Apply permethrin at 1 ml/l or deltamethrin at 0.5 ml/l at 15 and 30 DAS to control the larvae.
Natural predators like Tachina flies and Nemeritis wasps can be released in the field to prey on sawflies.
