• Young larvae feed gregariously mostly on the under surface of the leaves
• Caterpillars feed on leaves and in severe infestation the whole crop is defoliated
• Drying up of infected leaves is the main symptom

Identification of the pest:

• Egg : Laid in cluster on the underside of leaves
• Larva: Covered with long yellowish to black hairs
• Adult: Medium sized brown moth with a red abdomen. Wings pinkish with numerous black spots

Management:

• Deep summer ploughing
• Use of well rotten manures
• Intercropping with pigeon pea at a row ratio of 2:1 is effective in reducing the insect attack
• Collection and destruction of larvae