Borers are a destructive group of insects that infest a wide variety of plants, including trees, shrubs, vegetables, and fruits. They are particularly damaging in their larval stage, which can last for several years. During this time, borers tunnel inside the plant, feeding on its internal tissues. This can cause extensive damage, weaken the plant, and make it more susceptible to disease. This moth lays eggs on the tender parts of the cardamom plant. The larvae that hatch from these eggs are the ones that cause the damage. They bore into different parts of the plant, including the shoots, panicles, and capsules.
Identification:
- Adult: This is a medium-sized yellow moth with a number of black dots on its wings and abdomen. They are about an inch long with a wingspan of about 1.5 inches.
- Larva: The larva is a long, pale greenish worm with a pinkish color on its back. It has a brown head and prothoracic shield, and its body is covered with minute hairs. It can grow up to about an inch long.
Environmental favorable factors for pests/Diseases:
- Temperature: Most borers prefer warm weather. In temperate climates, borer activity typically increases in the spring and summer months as temperatures rise.
- Moisture: While some borers prefer dry conditions, others thrive in wetter environments. However, even borers that don't require excessive moisture can benefit from increased rainfall as it can stress apple trees, making them more susceptible to attack.
Symptoms of Pest/Disease:
- Sawdust around the base of the tree (from root borer activity)
- Wilting or stunted growth
- Leaves that are smaller or paler than normal
- Holes in the bark or branches
- Sap oozing from wounds on the tree
Measures to control Pests/Diseases:
| Products | Technical Name | Dosage |
| EMA5 | Emamectin benzoate 5 % SG | 80-100 grams per Acre |
| Fluben | Flubendiamide 39.35 % sc | 60ml/acre |
| Finish It | 100 ml diluted in 100 litres of water is used per acre |
