Inflorescence caterpillar: Tirathaba mundella Symptom of damage:
- Caterpillars feed on the inflorescences (tender female flowers) and rachillae
- Webbing and feeding the inflorescence
- Spathe opening is delayed.
- Yellowing of spadices,
- Presence of small holes with frass and drying on the spathe
Management:
- Infected spadices may be forced open and sprayed with malathion 0.05%