Bio-intensive integrated management of fruit piercing moths in Citrus

Abstract

Fruit piercing moths, Eudocima spp. and Acanthodelta janata L. affect both quality and quantity of the citrus fruits. Field studies were carried out during 2020 and 2021 to evaluate IPM modules against fruit piercing moths. Mean fruit damage was significantly low in trees covered with nets, followed by treatment with Horticulture Mineral Oils (Arbofine HMO, HP HMO and MAK HMO) followed by PAU Homemade Neem extract and PAU Homemade Dharek extract. Use of Poison bait traps @ 20 traps/acre also resulted in less fruit damage when compared to control. The average fruit yield was higher (36.7q/acre & 38.1q/acre) in netted trees followed by spraying of HMO’s (35.6q/acre & 38.q/acre) during 2020 and 2021. Cumulative effects of applying all IPM components resulted in benefit-cost ratio of 9:1. These recommended IPM tools can be adopted by farmers as they are easily available, effective and economical.