Submitted by shelly on Thu, 08/01/2009 - 15:02
Posted in
Cut worms
Damage symptoms :
Seedlings are cut through at or below ground level.
A search around such seedlings will reveal the larvae.
Description :
Moths have brown forewings and pearly hind-wings with a brown margin
Cream-colored eggs are laid singly on the plants or soil surface.
The large larvae, 45 mm long and are grey- black hide beneath the soil surface during day and feed on foliage during nights.
Control :
- Usually heavily parasitized and so control is seldom required.
- When damage is noticed it is too late to use insecticides economically.
In endemic areas, spraying of endosulfan, heptachlor, or aldrin.
Poisoned bran baits.
