Buzura suppremaria

Buzura suppremaria is a species of moth belonging to the family Geometridae. It is recognized primarily as an agricultural pest of significant concern in tea-growing regions, where its larvae act as aggressive defoliators of tea plants (Camellia sinensis).

While tea is the primary host, this insect is known to be polyphagous, meaning it can infest various other shrubs and trees in the vicinity of plantations. This adaptability allows the species to persist in the landscape even when primary hosts are managed, posing a constant challenge for local agriculture.

The biological cycle consists of four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The lifecycle is highly dependent on environmental factors, particularly temperature and humidity. Larvae, which are the primary damage-causing agents, are characterized by their looper-like movement and intensive feeding habits as they progress through several larval instars.

The pest causes extensive damage by feeding on leaves. Younger larvae cause minor perforations, whereas older, more developed caterpillars are capable of rapid defoliation. High population densities can lead to the complete loss of leaf mass, hindering photosynthesis, reducing plant vigor, and ultimately resulting in significant yield reduction in commercial tea production.

Management strategies focus on integrated pest management (IPM). Key actions include the use of biological control agents, such as parasitoids and bacteria, as well as the application of selective insecticides when necessary. Monitoring pest levels through pheromone trapping is crucial for timely intervention before the population reaches an uncontrollable threshold.

• Implementation of pheromone traps for adult monitoring.
• Preservation and promotion of natural predator populations.
• Application of microbial biopesticides.
• Systematic pruning to remove infested branches and larvae.