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Spodoptera and gram caterpillar on marigold

Marigold flower-buds and developing flowers are attacked by Spodoptera litura (tobacco caterpillar) and Helicoverpa armigera (gram caterpillar/fruit borer) larvae, which bore into capitula and damage florets.

Identification and biology

  • Pest Complex: Spodoptera litura + Helicoverpa armigera larvae
  • Damage Site: buds, capitula and florets
  • Chemical Management: emamectin benzoate, spinetoram, chlorantraniliprole + neem oil
  • Biocontrol: Trichogramma chilonis releases

Management

ICAR-IIHR recommendations include pheromone-trap monitoring, conservation of Trichogramma parasitoids, neem oil 1500 ppm sprays at bud initiation, and rotation of emamectin benzoate 5 SG, spinetoram 11.7 SC and chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC. The same complex damages chrysanthemum and gaillardia in mixed flower farms.

See also: Marigold Crop, Chrysanthemum Crop, Jassids Sucking Pests Floriculture, Fusarium Wilt Chrysanthemum, Jasmine Jaji Virajaji, Jasmine Mallepoolu Sambac.

References

  1. African Marigold IPM - ICAR-CCARI. https://ccari.icar.gov.in/dss/marigold.html