First documentation of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) infestation on vegetative tissues of dragon fruit in Telangana, India

Abstract

This study presents the first documented case of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) infestation on the vegetative tissues of dragon fruit (Selenicereus costaricensis) in Telangana India. Field surveys conducted across major dragon fruit-growing districts identified larvae feeding on tender stems, leading to visible damage including perforations, wilting, chlorosis, and tissue necrosis. The shift in feeding behavior from reproductive to vegetative tissues highlights the pest’s expanding host range and adaptability. These findings have important implications for crop productivity, underscoring the need for the development and implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to mitigate potential economic losses caused by H. armigera and ensure the sustainability of dragon fruit cultivation. Ongoing monitoring and research into pest behavior, as well as the optimization of control measures, are critical to manage this emerging threat.