Jackfruit borer

The jackfruit borer (Glyphodes caesalis) is a significant insect pest belonging to the order Lepidoptera and the family Crambidae. It is widely recognized as the primary threat to jackfruit production in tropical and subtropical zones, causing extensive damage to both young shoots and developing fruit.

The primary host for this pest is the jackfruit tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus). The larvae are highly specialized feeders, targeting the succulent parts of the plant. By boring into the fruit and terminal buds, they directly compromise the plant's growth and the development of the fruit, leading to substantial yield losses in orchards.

The life cycle of Glyphodes caesalis consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Female moths lay eggs on young fruits and tender leaves. Upon hatching, the larvae immediately bore into the tissue. The larval stage is the most destructive phase, during which the caterpillars feed voraciously, often sealing their entry holes with frass and silk webbing.

The damage caused by the jackfruit borer is visually characterized by the accumulation of excrement and decaying plant tissue near the entrance holes. Infested fruits often succumb to secondary infections by bacteria and fungi, causing the fruit to rot from within. This not only destroys the edible pulp but also leads to premature fruit drop, causing significant financial losses.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is essential for controlling this pest. Recommended strategies include:

• Regular field scouting to detect early infestations on tender shoots and fruits.
• Prompt removal and destruction of infested fruit to reduce the larval population.
• Bagging of individual fruits with protective covers to prevent egg-laying by adult moths.
• Applying targeted insecticides only when infestation levels exceed economic thresholds, favoring sustainable methods.