Managing fruit borer menace in pomegranate
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18/09/2008
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Hindu (New Delhi)
Pest incidence is more during rains
Pomegranate faces a serious set back due to infestation by insect pests. The most obnoxious is Anar butterfly(Deodorex isocrates.)
The larvae of this insect directly bore into the pomegranate fruit. There are no satisfactory control measures for the pest after it enters into the fruits.
Peak infestation
The incidence of the pest is at its peak during the month of August during monsoon season, while in winter crop it is more during November/December.
The female butterfly lays eggs on flowers-buds and the calyx of developing fruits; in a few days the caterpillars enters the fruit and feed on the pulp.
The conspicuous symptoms of damage are offensive smell and the excreta from holes. The fruits rot and drop off.
The fruit borers may cause loss of an entire crop unless the flowers are sprayed two times 30 days apart.
All the pomegranate varieties are susceptible to the pomegranate butterfly infestation.
Management