Fig. (a) Larvae inside leaf (b) Pupa inside frass galleries
Symptoms
The severity of the attack is seen from January to May. The caterpillar feeds on the green matter from the lower surface of the leaf, remaining within silk and frass galleries. In severe attacks, all green matter of the leaves will be eaten up.
Control measures
- Biological control is very effective against this pest through the release of parasitoids like Gorriozus Nephantidis, Elasmus, and Brachimeria Nosatoi.
- In case of a severe attack, remove the affected leaves, and destroy them by burning. Then spray the undersurface of the leaves with 0.02% Dichlorvos (Dichlorvos 100EC).
