Bud borer - problem in groundnut

GROUNDNUT BUD borer Anarsia ephippias is a regular pest in groundnut growing areas in Tamil Nadu.

The larvae are chocolate brown to dark brown in colour and 10-15 mm long. The larva bores into the terminal buds and shoots. The tender leaflets emerging from central spindle will show shot-hole symptoms initially. In severe infestation emerging leaflets will have only the midribs or several oblong feeding holes.

The larva also bore into the tip of the stem. The moth is buff coloured, active and hovers around plant canopy during sunrise. Studies at National Pulses Research Centre, Vamban, Pudukkottai revealed that the infestation caused 20-35 per cent shoot damage and yield reduction to the tune of 5 per cent.

Spraying of monocrotophos 36WSC 0.5 per cent (1.5 ml/lit) was found to be more effective in controlling the bud borer. Neem oil 3 per cent and leaf extract of vitex negumdo (Nochi) 5 per cent were also effective against this pest. The hymenopteran parasitoids, Bracon gelechiiae Ashm and brachymeria sp were reported to cause parasitism upto 24 per cent on larvae of ephippias.

T. Senguttuvan, N. Ganapathy & C. Durairaj

National Pulses Research Centre

Vamban Colony P.O. 622303

Pudukkottai District

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