Beetle borer: Onthophgus spp.

Symptoms of damage :

• Larva makes the bore hole which is neat, circular tiny and at right angles to the pericarp mostly on the ventral side.
• When attack is on young immature capsules, they put forth matured appearance, decay and drop off.
• Adults beetle bores the flowers and feed on tissues

Identification of pest:

• Adult : small, dark brown, cylindrical beetle with short thick erect hairs covered all over body.
• The elytra are hard and shiny.

Management:

• Judicious shade regulation