The Rose Gram Caterpillar, Helicoverpa armigera, belonging to the Family Noctuidae of the Order Lepidoptera, is a major agricultural pest that causes significant yield losses and reduces the quality of crops worldwide. This caterpillar pest is native to Africa. It is a destructive pest because it can reproduce and establish large populations quickly, making it difficult to control the pest.
Effective management strategies are essential to minimize the impact of this pest on rose production. To effectively manage this pest, it is necessary to understand its life cycle, its preferred habitats, and the best methods for controlling it. This article will provide an overview and discussion of the Rose Gram Caterpillar Pest in Rose crops, including its symptoms, identification techniques, and control.
Rose Gram Caterpillar Pest Management
Life Cycle of Rose Gram Caterpillar Pest in Rose Crop
The life cycle of the Rose Gram Caterpillar pest has four stages. They are egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The lifecycle of the Rose Gram Caterpillar begins when the female lays eggs singly or in clusters on the underside of the leaves. The eggs hatch in about 2-5 days, and the young larvae emerge to feed on the leaves and flowers of the rose plant. The larvae, commonly known as the rose gram caterpillar, go through five or six instars before pupating.
After the larval stage, the caterpillar enters the pupal stage, forming a cocoon around itself. The pupa is usually brown or gray and is found in a sheltered location, such as under leaves or in soil cracks. The pupal stage lasts 10-14 days, after which the adult moth emerges. The adult moth is short-lived and survives for only a few days, during which it mates and lays eggs, completing the life cycle. The lifecycle of the Rose Gram Caterpillar Pest can be completed in 30 days, depending on environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity.
Occurrence of Rose Gram Caterpillar Pest in Rose Crop
- Location of Rose Gram Caterpillar Pest: This pest infests Rose crops in India, Africa, Sri Lanka, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, the Philippines, and Australia.
- Host Range: The Rose Gram Caterpillar pest infects crops like Rose, Cotton, Maize, Tomatoes, Sorghum, Tobacco, Legumes, and Soybeans.
Factors Favoring the Population Increase of Rose Gram Caterpillar Pest in Rose Crop
- Temperature: The pest prefers warm and humid environments of 20-30°C for growth and development.
- High Humidity: The pest prefers high humidity levels as it helps develop eggs, larvae, and pupae.
- Soil: The pest overwinters in the soil as pupae; hence, the soil quality and moisture content helps the pest survive.
- Plant Density: High-density plantations can provide shelter and create a favorable microclimate for the pest to thrive and cause infestation.
Identification of Rose Gram Caterpillar Pest in Rose Crop
- Egg: The eggs are small, round, and pale green or yellow.
- Larva: They are grayish-green or brownish, with longitudinal stripes and spines along their bodies.
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