Bud borer complex and yield loss in Sapota

Abstract

The seasonal succession of sapota bud boring pests complex viz., bud borer (Anarsia achrasella) and chiku moth (Nephopteryx eugraphella) was studied from 2013–15. The bud borer cause damage to new buds round the year with the peak activity during April (10.19–10.82%) and May (10.83–11.70%) at commencement of main flowering phase of sapota. Similarly, chiku moth infestation was also observed throughout the year and attained highest during May (5.10–6.27%) and December (6.23–6.76%). Regarding correlation, bud borer damage found increased with increase in maximum temperature and ultimately evaporation at lower morning relative humidity in summer coincide with peak flowering, while chiku moth activity was mainly with relative humidity. The avoidable loss due to both the pests in terms of yield under unprotected condition was recorded up to 25.16 and 27.76%.