The Anar butterfly, also known as the common guava blue or pomegranate butterfly (Deudorix isocrates), is a small butterfly found in India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as the blues, hairstreaks, and metalmarks. While the Anar butterfly is known for its beautiful blue wings, it's important to note that it's also considered a pest of several fruits, including pomegranates, guavas, and other fruit trees. The larvae of the Anar butterfly feed on the developing fruits, causing damage and reducing yields.
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- Type of Infestation: Pest
- Common Name: Anar Butterfly
- Causal Organism: Deudorix (Virachola) isocrates
- Affected Parts Of the plant: Fruit
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Identification:
- Eggs: Adult female butterflies lay their eggs singly on tender leaves, flower buds, and stalks. These eggs are small and white, making them difficult to detect.
- Larvae: Upon hatching, the caterpillars bore into the young fruits through the rind. They feed on the internal contents, including the pulp and seeds. This feeding activity damages the fruit, causing it to rot and eventually drop prematurely.
- Pupae: Once fully grown, the caterpillars pupate either inside the damaged fruit or on the stalk holding the fruit.
- Adults: Emerged adult butterflies do not directly harm the pomegranate plant.
Environmental favorable factors for pests/Diseases:
- Warm temperatures: Anar butterflies are most active and lay more eggs during warm weather, typically between 20-35°C.
- High humidity: High humidity levels (around 70-80%) can aid in egg development and survival of the Anar butterfly.
Symptoms of Pest/Disease:
Leaf damage:
- Rasping and sucking of the underside of leaves: This causes the leaves to turn brown and curl at the tips.
- Drying and shedding of flowers: The Anar butterfly can also damage flowers, which can reduce fruit production.
Fruit damage:
- Small, dark holes in the fruit: These holes are caused by the caterpillars boring into the fruit.
- Rotting and dropping of fruits: The caterpillars feed on the internal contents of the fruit, which causes it to rot and fall from the tree.
- Scab formation on the fruit: This is caused by the feeding of the caterpillars and the subsequent healing of the damaged tissue.
Measures to control Pests/Diseases:
Products
Technical Names
Dosages
Chlorantranliprole 0.4% w/w GR
4-7.5 Kg/acre
Thiamethoxam 1% + Chlorantraniliprole 0.5%) GR
2400 gm/acre
20 - 30 ml in 15 liters of water
