Sesame leaf roller

The sesame leaf roller (Antigastra catalaunalis) is a significant moth species belonging to the order Lepidoptera and the family Crambidae. It is recognized as one of the most destructive pests for sesame (Sesamum indicum) cultivation, particularly in arid and semi-arid tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

This pest exclusively targets plants within the Pedaliaceae family. The larvae are notorious for their feeding habits, which involve webbing together leaves, terminal shoots, and flower buds. They also bore into the seed capsules to feed on the developing seeds, directly impacting the oil content and yield potential of the crop.

The biological development of the insect consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The lifecycle is relatively short, often completing a full generation within 3–4 weeks under optimal temperature conditions. Pupation usually occurs inside the rolled leaves or within the soil, allowing the insect to survive between growing seasons.

Damage assessment typically reveals stunted plants with deformed tops and excessive webbing. Severe infestations can result in total loss of terminal growth, forcing the plant to produce stunted lateral branches, which ultimately reduces the number of capsule-bearing nodes and overall productivity.

Effective management strategies require an integrated approach. Cultural controls such as field sanitation, crop rotation, and destruction of infected crop debris are essential. Chemical control is often necessary during the larval stage, utilizing systemic insecticides when monitoring indicates that population density has exceeded economic thresholds.