Teak Skeletiniser

AMONG THE different pests which affect teak, skeletinizer Hapalia machaeralis affects the growth of the seedlings by extensively feeding on the leaves.

A single female lays eggs on the upper or under-surface of the leaves. Incubation period is about 8 days. Newly hatched caterpillars scrape the leaves. Larval period lasts for a week. Pupation takes place on green or fallen leaves. Pupal period is 4-27 days in summer and upto 5 months in winter.

Spraying fenitrothion 0.1 per cent (1.0 ml per litre of water) or carbaryl 50 WP (2.0 g per litre of water) has given effective control. Aerial spraying may also be resorted to in large plantations and forests with fenitrothion (625 ml per hectare) or carbaryl 858 (1.0 kg active incgredient per hectare). Use of chemosterilants gives good results in insular conditions.

N. Manikandan & M. Mahendran

Agricultural College

& Research Institute

Madurai 625 104, T.N.

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