Mango

Tea Flush Worm

Cricula trifenestrata

Insect

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In a Nutshell

  • Defoliation of plants.
  • External feeding leaves.
  • Presence of caterpillars.

Can also be found in

2 Crops
Mango
Peanut

Mango

Symptoms

Caterpillars can strip all the leaves from a tree and reduce the number of flowers it produces. The feeding damage begins on the outer parts of the tree and later spreads to the centre and top. Heavily infested trees become weak and may not produce flowers or fruit at all.

Recommendations

Organic Control

To manage caterpillar infestations manually, use a long-handled torch to heat the areas where caterpillars cluster, causing them to fall. Collect the fallen caterpillars while wearing gloves, and bury them. Remove and destroy leaves hosting young caterpillars clusters and eggs. For biological control, use parasitoids like Telenomus sp., effective against eggs and pupae, and Beauveria bassiana, which targets adult moths. Natural predators also play a key role in controlling outbreaks. Additionally, neem-based pesticides such as azadirachtin have proven effective in managing these pests.

Chemical Control

Moths can often be controlled without resorting to chemical pesticides, especially if the infestation is detected early. Only as a last resort, it is best to consider chemical methods like methyl parathion and endosulfan which are reported to be highly effective. When using pesticides or any chemical product, it is important to wear protective clothing and carefully read the label instructions. Regulations vary by country, so ensure you follow the specific guidelines for your area. This guarantees safety and increases the chances of successful application.

What caused it?

Tea flush worm is a significant pest for mango trees in Bangladesh, Myanmar, and India, but it also presents an opportunity for silk production. Young caterpillars feed together in groups and spread out as they grow. When there is not enough food, larger larvae may drop from their tree and crawl to new trees to find more food. The life cycle of this pest includes several stages. After fully feeding, the caterpillar spins a cocoon in leaf clusters or on stems. The adult moths are nocturnal and vary in colour, with males having two dark spots on their forewings, while females display larger and more irregular spots. There can be up to four generations per year. Despite being a pest, this moth produces high-quality silk. In Indonesia, this pest has been made useful by harvesting it for silk on a large scale, providing a potential income source for rural communities.

Preventive Measures

  • Clear the weeds around your trees and install light traps in your fields to attract and kill adult moths.
  • Additionally, regularly check your plants for any signs of pest damage so you can intervene early and effectively.

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