The tobacco caterpillar, also known as the cotton leafworm or armyworm. These are voracious feeders and can cause significant damage to crops. They feed on the leaves of plants, often leaving large holes. The adult moth is medium-sized with brownish forewings and a wingspan of about 3.7 cm. Green caterpillars that grow to be about 3-4 cm long.
- Type of Infestation: Pest
- Common Name: Tobacco Caterpillar
- Causal Organism: Spodoptera litura
- Affected Parts Of the plant: Leaves, Fruits and Flower
- Caterpillars: Young caterpillars are light green with black heads or black spots. As they grow, they become grey or dark brown.
- Adults: Moths are brownish in color. Forewings are brown with wavy white markings. Hindwings are white with brown patches along the margins.
Environmental favorable factors for pests/Diseases:
- Temperature: Tobacco caterpillars are most active in warm weather, with optimal temperatures for development and reproduction being between 25-30°C.
- Humidity: Tobacco caterpillars thrive in humid environments, as they help conserve water in their bodies.
Symptoms of Pest/Disease:
- Scraped leaves with whitish, papery patches.
- Small yellow mines within leaves.
- Irregular holes in leaves, sometimes with ragged edges.
- Skeletonized leaves, where only the veins and petioles remain.
- Stunted plant growth.
| Products | Technical Names | Dosages |
| EMA 5 | Emamectin benzoate 5 % SG | 80-100 grams per Acre |
| k-Indox | INDOXACARB 14.5% SC | 200 ml per Acre |
| Fantastic | Chlorantraniliprole 0.4% w/w GR | 4-7.5 Kg/acre |
| Spino 45 | Spinosad 45 % sc | 60-90 ml per Acre |
| Neem Oil | 400 to 600 ml / acre |
