:: Smellfield Agriclinic

Shoot, panicle and capsule borer: Dichocrocis (Conogethes) punctiferalis

> Early stage of the larva bores the unopened leaf buds and feeds on the leaf tissue.
> They also bore the panicles leading to drying up of the portion from the affected spot
> Immature capsules and feed on the young seeds inside rendering the capsules empty.
> Late stage larvae bore the pseudostem and feed the central core of the stem
> Resulting in drying of the terminal leaf and thus produce characteristic 'dead heart' symptom.
> Oozing out of frass material at the point of tunnelling is the indication for the presence of larva inside the plant parts.
> The incidence of this pest is noticed throughout the year but they occur in enormous number in four periods, DecemberJanuary, March-April, May-June and September-October and their abundance synchronizes with the panicle production, fruit formation and new tiller production.

> Egg: is pink, oval, flat and lays singly or in group on the tender part of the plant
> Larva: is long, pale greenish with a pinkish was dorsally, head and pro-thoracic shield brown in colour and body covered with minute hairs arising on wards.
> Pupa: Pupation takes place in lose silken cocoon in larval tunnel.
> Adult: is a medium sized moth; the wings are pale yellowish with black spots on the wings.

> During day time adult moths rest on the lower surface of the cardamom. They may be collected with insect net and killed.
> The practice of removing the tillers showing 'dead heart' symptoms should be carried with due care.
> Tillers may be removed if the attack is fresh as indicated by extrusion of frass
> The infestation by early stages of larva of this pest in emerging panicle, immature capsule and leaf bud can be controlled effectively with insecticide application.
> Once the late larvae bore and go deep inside the pseudostem, the chemical spray even in its higher dose becomes ineffective.
> Spraying fenthion 0.075% is effective in controlling this pest.