Mango leaf webber

Systematic position: This insect belongs to the order Lepidoptera and the family Pyralidae. It is recognized as a major pest of mango plantations globally, capable of causing severe defoliation and significant economic losses in tropical fruit orchards.

Host crops: The primary host plant is the mango tree (Mangifera indica). The insect specifically targets the leaves, which serve as both a food source and a habitat for larval development, making the trees highly susceptible during the active vegetative growth phase.

Biology and life cycle: The life cycle comprises four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larvae exhibit communal behavior, spinning silk threads to web leaves together. These structures serve as protective nests where the larvae reside and feed in groups, sheltered from predators and environmental stressors.

Nature of damage: The damage is primarily caused by the larvae, which feed on the leaves within their webbed nests. Initially, they scrape the chlorophyll, leading to leaf skeletonization. As the larvae grow, they consume the entire leaf lamina, resulting in scorched-looking foliage and eventual defoliation of the canopy.

Control measures: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is essential for effective control:

• Pruning and destroying infested webbed leaf clusters during the early stages.
• Installing light traps to monitor and reduce adult moth populations.
• Applying microbial pesticides like Bacillus thuringiensis.
• Using appropriate chemical insecticides during severe infestations, strictly adhering to safety protocols.