Report on the incidence of apple and nut borer, Citripestis eutraphera (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in cashew, Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae) in South Gujarat

Abstract

This paper reports the incidence of mango fruit borer, Citripestis eutraphera (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on cashew as apple and nut borer in South Gujarat. The moth lays eggs on rough areas of the fruits near the peduncle. Larvae after hatching scrapped the skin of the fruit or young nut and then bore into an immature apple as well as nuts and feeds on inner content. The damage was more frequent where two or more fruits touched each other. By considering the importance of this pest in cashew, there is need of further studies on its biology, seasonal incidence, natural enemies and management practices in Gujarat.