A. K. Chakravarthy

Rearing of Conogethes punctiferalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and Feasibility of Its Biological Control

Conogethes spp. are economically important pests in the Orient, Australia, and North America. For conducting comprehensive and detailed studies on the fruit and shoot borer, Conogethes punctiferalis Guenee, efficient mass-rearing method is essential, and the correct species identification is also an important prerequisite. Provision of the perfect mating chamber, oviposition substrate, suitable larval rearing containers, and larval diet with essential nutrients are necessary for mass-rearing of C. punctiferalis. Host plant specific and geographic populations of C. punctiferalis have been recorded which may require to be reared on specific diets, and this needs to be evaluated. More than 25 natural enemies have been recorded which include species of Bracon, Apanteles, Chelonus, Chrysoperla, entomopathogenic nematodes, and entomopathogenic fungus. Attempts should be made to mass-produce the natural enemies for field utility. Bird predators too play an important role in checking C. punctiferalis populations in wild and cultivated ecosystems. Conservation of various promising natural enemies should be encouraged to minimize use of chemical insecticides.