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VOL. 3, ISSUE 4 (2018)
Mesta hairy caterpillar (Euproctis scintillans), A defoliator pest, damages mulberry leaves
Authors
Sanjai Kumar Gupta
Abstract
Mulberry leaves, which must be fresh, soft,
and appropriate for the particular larval stage of the silkworm, are its
primary food source. Although there are many variables that influence the
success of silkworm raising, mulberry leaves are the most important, accounting
for 38.2% of the overall results. Mulberry cultivation has a significant impact
on the yield, quality, and commercial worth of silk cocoons. About 70% of the
silk produced by silkworms is derived from micronutrients, pigments, minerals,
and bioactive compounds in these leaves, and the cultivation of mulberry
accounts for about 60% of the cost of making cocoons. About 20–25% of crop
losses are attributable to pests and diseases. The yellow-tail moth, Euproctis
scintillans, is a significant pest. Its larvae are polyphagous, reddish-brown,
hairy caterpillars that are known to consume crops like apple, mango, castor,
and particularly green mulberry, sometimes resulting in complete defoliation. The
larval phase of these larvae lasts between 20 and 28 days, and they have a
reddish head, a yellow-striped body, and thick clumps of black hair. For the
first time in eastern Uttar Pradesh, India, this research sought to explore the
meteorological patterns, infestation rates, and impact of major weather factors
such as rainfall, relative humidity, and temperature on the population dynamics
of Euproctis scintillans. The number of pests in a number of green mulberry
orchards in the area was tracked every month. According to the data, the pest
was active in the field from June to November, with the greatest infestation
occurring in September. A very significant positive relationship (p≤0.01) was
found between pest numbers and peak temperature, morning, evening, and average
relative humidity using statistical analysis. Average and lowest temperatures
also exhibited a statistically significant positive correlation (p≤0. 05). However,
average precipitation had little influence on pest numbers. This study provides
crucial information on the biology, seasonal occurrence, nature and severity of
damage, and management tactics for mulberry defoliating pests.
Pages:66-70
How to cite this article:
Sanjai Kumar Gupta "Mesta hairy caterpillar (<i>Euproctis scintillans</i>), A defoliator pest, damages mulberry leaves". International Journal of Biology Research, Vol 3, Issue 4, 2018, Pages 66-70
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