Impact of Ecological Factors on the Infestation of Mango Red Banded Caterpillar

Abstract

The study on the incidence pattern of mango red banded caterpillar (Autocharis albizonalis Hampson) was carried out along with the different aspects of infestation and their varietal preference. The study concluded that the fruit borer infestation occurred from the pea to marble sized stage of the fruit and continued to maturity stage. The first pest brood was seen in the 1st fortnight of March and continued to June. Fifteen commercially grown mango cultivars were selected and cultivated under RBD. Duncan Multiple Range test was subsequently performed to identify the differential level of varietal preference towards the pest. Himsagar, Arka Anmol, Prabha Sankhar and Amrapali were the most susceptible varieties and Neeluddin the least. Maximum pest attack was found from the West direction.