Cocoa fruit borer

Systematic position: Characoma stictigrapta is a member of the order Lepidoptera, belonging to the family Noctuidae, specifically the subfamily Chloephorinae. It is recognized primarily as a significant agricultural pest that affects cocoa production, causing substantial economic losses in tropical plantations.

Crops and damage: The primary host plant is the cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao). While the larvae can consume young shoots and leaves, their most destructive impact is on the cocoa pods. By boring into the fruit, the larvae damage the pulp and the developing beans, leading to premature rotting and secondary infections by fungi or bacteria.

Biology and lifecycle: The life cycle consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult moth. Adult females typically deposit eggs on the surface of the pods or near the flower stalks. Upon hatching, the larvae burrow into the plant tissue. Environmental factors such as high humidity and stable temperatures promote rapid development cycles, allowing the pest to thrive year-round.

• Sanitation by removing and destroying infested pods.
• Use of pheromone traps for monitoring and mass trapping.
• Application of targeted insecticides during peak egg-laying.
• Promotion of natural biological control agents.
• Regular orchard inspections to identify early infestations.

Control measures: Integrated pest management (IPM) is essential for controlling this species. Farmers are advised to regularly monitor the plantations to determine the infestation threshold. Cultural practices, particularly the removal of infested pods, are highly effective in breaking the life cycle and reducing the population density of the next generation.