Browsing by Author "Suchithra M"

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    Field detection, molecular characterization and biology of the tea tortrix, Homona coffearia Neitner (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) on Cocoa (Theobroma cacao. L) from India
    (2024) Madhu T. N.; Saneera E. K; R. Thava Prakasa Pandian; Bhavishya; Nagaraja N. R; M. Chaithra; S. Elain Apshara; B. J. Nirmal Kumar; Diwakar Y; Suchithra M; Rajesh M. K; Vinayaka Hegde
    Cocoa (Theobroma cacao. L) is an important commercial crop widely cultivated in humid tropical regions; however, its production faces various constraints including insect pests. The survey conducted in 2022–2023 found significant damage to cocoa nurseries and fields caused by the larvae of H. coffearia. The caterpillars web the young leaves, feeds within the sheltered nests and affects the crop canopy. The percent incidence was 27.55 ± 1.81% in the nursery and 43.77 ± 3.42% in open fields. A detailed morphological examination and molecular characterization using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene confirmed the identity of the pest as H. coffearia. The study also documented the key biological parameters of H. coffearia on cocoa under laboratory conditions. The life cycle from egg to adult was completed in about 49 ± 2.32 days. Female moths laid an average of 106 ± 3.48 eggs, which hatched into larvae that underwent five instars before pupation. Both the larval and pupal stages lasted around 27.69 ± 0.72 and 7.72 ± 0.17 days respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the tea tortrix, H. coffearia infesting cocoa in India. As a polyphagous pest, the ability of H. coffearia to adapt and feed on new host plants like cocoa poses a significant threat to cocoa production. The findings of this work highlight the need for further research on the population dynamics, damage potential and management strategies for this emerging pest in cocoa ecosystems.