Symptoms of damage:
- Larva seen in groups in tree trunks
- Feed gregariously
- Scraping the bark and gnawing foliage
- Severe infestation leads to defoliation of the tree
Identification of pest:
- Eggs: Laid in clusters on leaves and tender stem
- Larva: Brownish in colour with densely hairy
- Adult: Large size moth with uniform light yellowish brown in colour
Management:
- Collect and destroy egg masses and caterpillars
- Set up light trap @ 1/ha to attract and kill adults immediately after rain
- Use burning torch to kill congregating larvae on the trunk
- Spray FORS @ 25g/lit