Forecasting the incidence of jackfruit shoot and fruit borer Diaphania caesalis Walker (Pyralidae: Lepidoptera) in Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) ecosystems

Abstract

The shoot and fruit borer, Diaphania caesalis (walker) is a major pest of jackfruit, Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. The influence of abiotic factors viz., maximum and minimum temperatures, maximum and minimum relative humidity, wind speed and rainfall on D. caesalis damage in jackfruit was observed for three consecutive years (January 2013- December 2015). The percentage of fruit infestation was positively correlated with rainfall. In all the three years only rainfall induced the variability in total fruit infestation in the range of 77 to 97%. This information can be utilized to forewarn farmers about possible outbreak of the pest incidence, there by ensuing IPM strategies may be adopted to reduce a greater yield loss.