Several types of borers can infest chili plants, including the chilli fruit borer (Helicoverpa armigera), stem borer (Amrasca biguttula), and legume pod borer (Maruca testulalis).
The fruit borer is one of the most destructive pests in chilli cultivation, causing substantial yield losses and reducing the quality of produce. Timely identification and effective management are crucial to minimize damage.
Symptoms of Fruit Borer in Chilli Plants:
Visible Damage to Fruits:
- Tiny holes on the fruit surface where larvae have bored into the fruit.
- Internal feeding by larvae causes rotting and unmarketable produce.
Premature Fruit Drop:
- Infested fruits often fall off due to extensive damage
Presence of Larvae:
- Creamy-white to greenish larvae feeding inside the fruit.
Eggs on Plant Parts:
- Small, white eggs laid on leaves, flower buds, or fruits by adult moths.
Classification:
- Type: Pest
- Common Name: caterpillar (Fruit Borer)
- Scientific name: Helicoverpa armigera
- Major parts affected in plants: Fruit, stem, flower, leaf
- Major affected states: Maharashtra,Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka
Control measures for fruit borer in chilli:
Biological Control
- Katyayani Veer Chakr (Verticillium Lecanii) - Dose: 5 - 10 ml per Liter
Chemical Control
- Katyayani EMA5 (Emamectin benzoate 5% SG) - Dose: 80 - 100 gm/ Acre
- KATYAYANI FLUBEN (FLUBENDIAMIDE 39.35% SC) - Dose: 40-50 ml /Acre
- Katyayani Aakramak Plus (Novaluron 5.25% + Indoxacarb 4.5% SC) - Dose: 2 ml / liter water
- Katyayani Chakraveer (Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC) - Dose: 50 -60 ml / acre
| Product | Technical Name | Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Veer Chakr | Verticillium Lecanii | 5 - 10 ml per Liter |
| EMA5 | Emamectin benzoate 5% SG | 80 - 100 gm/Acre |
| FLUBEN | Flubendiamide 39.35% SC | 40 - 50 ml/Acre |
| Aakramak Plus | Novaluron 5.25% + Indoxacarb 4.5% SC | 2 ml/liter water |
| Chakraveer | Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC | 50 - 60 ml/Acre |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the cause of fruit borer infestation in chilli plants?
A. The fruit borer is caused by the caterpillar (Helicoverpa armigera), which infests the fruits, stems, and leaves.
Q. What are the common symptoms of fruit borer in chilli plants?
A. Tiny holes on fruits, larvae feeding inside the fruit, premature fruit drop, and presence of eggs on plant parts.
Q. Which parts of the chilli plant are affected by fruit borer?
A. It mainly eats the fruit, but it also affects the stem and leaves and the fruit.
Q. What are the major states affected by fruit borer in chilli crops?
A. The major affected states are Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
Q. What are the control measures for fruit borer in chilli plants?
A. Biological control with Verticillium Lecanii and chemical control with Katyayani EMA5, Katyayani FLUBEN, Katyayani Aakramak Plus, and Katyayani Chakraveer.
For more information about pests and diseases, read our other blogs.
