The maruca pod borer (Maruca vitrata) is recognized as a highly destructive arthropod, inflicting harsh damage on a broad spectrum of pulse crops and leading to substantial economic losses. As it can thrive on a diverse range of hosts and adaptability, it remains a persistent pest throughout the year under varying agro-climatic conditions. This insect attacks multiple plant parts, including leaves, flowers, and pods. Its seasonal occurrence varies across crops and growing seasons; however, larval infestation typically peaks during the flowering and pod formation stages. Females oviposit flattened, scale-like eggs on floral buds, blossoms, foliage, leaf axils, developing pods, and apical shoots. The caterpillars are translucent, bearing distinct dark-brown markings on across all body segments. The caterpillar period extends for about 11–21 days, whereas the complete life span ranges from 27 to 36 daylights, varying with the host plant. Adoption of cultural methods such as mixed cropping, properly timed weed control, optimum sowing period, and appropriate plant spacing has been shown to reduce its incidence in crops like cowpea. Botanical insecticides, including neem-based formulations including neem kernel extract (NSKE) and neem oil besides bio-pesticides like Bacillus thuringiensis, have exhibited distinct degrees of effectiveness across grain legumes Similarly, the effectiveness of insecticides belonging to various chemical classes against this pest has been well documented.
Bionomics, Damage Dynamics, Resilient Management, Spotted Pod Borer, Emerging Threat, Indian Pulses
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