Plume moth : Exelastis atomosa  (Peterophoridae: Lepidoptera)

Damaging systems:

• The larvae bore into the buds, flowers and pods and feed on the developing grains.
• By feeding on the buds holes are formed, and the larvae proceed by further heading up the grains.
• The larva excretes inside the damaged grains and pods and due to this fungus develops in it.

Management:

Cultural Control

• Timely sowing of the crop.
• Adoption of mixed or intercropping with non host plants.
• Maintaining complete field sanitation.
• Crop rotation

Mechanical Control

• Remove and destroy the damage plant parts.

Chemical Control

• Spraying of the suitable insecticides should be done at 50% flowering stage to protect the crop from the moth and larva.
• Spray endosulphan 35 EC at the rate of 2ml/lit of water.
                              OR
• Spray monocrotophos 36 SL at the rate of 2ml/lit of water.

---