Jute hairy caterpillar

The Jute hairy caterpillar (Diacrisia obliqua) is a notorious polyphagous pest belonging to the family Erebidae. Known for its extensive host range, this moth species causes significant economic losses in various agricultural sectors, particularly in South and Southeast Asia, where it thrives in warm, humid conditions.

The pest attacks a wide variety of crops including jute, sunflower, soybean, groundnut, and several vegetable species such as potato and cauliflower. Because of its ability to thrive on various weed species, the caterpillar can easily shift from wild plants to cultivated fields, establishing large populations very rapidly.

The life cycle typically includes the egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult moth stages. Female moths lay eggs in clusters on the underside of leaves. Upon hatching, the larvae go through several instars. The early-stage larvae are gregarious, feeding in groups, while late-stage larvae become solitary and highly mobile, leading to widespread damage throughout the field.

Damage is primarily caused by larval feeding. In the early stages, they skeletonize the leaves by consuming the green tissue and leaving behind the veins. As they mature, they consume entire leaves, sometimes even attacking soft stems and fruits. Heavy infestations can lead to total defoliation, which severely stunts plant growth and reduces overall production.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is essential for effective control. This includes deep plowing to expose pupae to predators and sun, manual collection and destruction of egg masses, and the use of pheromone traps to monitor adult flight activity. In severe cases, spraying with biological agents like Bacillus thuringiensis or recommended chemical insecticides remains the standard practice to keep populations under control.