Novel Tools for the Management of Conogethes punctiferalis Guenée (Crambidae: Lepidoptera)

The borer, Conogethes punctiferalis species infests a wide variety of crops and plant parts, is difficult to manage with insecticides. However, newer compounds, spinetoram and cyazypyr, have shown some promise which can be selectively applied at appropriate time and dose. Timely harvests, clean cultivation, encouragement of pollinators and natural enemies, fruit thinning and bagging and balanced nutrition can greatly help in managing the Conogethes populations. Mass trapping of adult moths by pheromone traps and botanical formulations can lead to realistic management of the pest resulting in sustainable crop yields. Such a set of management tools can be practical, cheap and environmentally sound.