Incidence pattern of stem borer, Batocera rubus in Moringa

Abstract

A study was undertaken to understand the reaction of moringa varieties viz., PKM-1, PKM-2 and Bhagya to cerambycid stem borer, Batocera rubus and it was recorded that there was variation in the percent incidence among the varieties where maximum damage could be observed in Bhagya followed by PKM-2 and PKM-1. The damage level also varied in three years observational period i.e. in first year of planting there was no damage by borer but incidence started only in the second year ratoon crop (3.10-6.43%) and in subsequent third year of ratoon, higher damage (44.48- 56.61) could be noted indicating that none of the varieties showed tolerance to the insect pest.