Journal of Environmental Biology

Study on biology of tea bunch caterpillar Andraca bipunctata on alternative host plant Eurya acuminata of Meghalaya

R. Pande*, M. Pitchaimurugan, R.J. Joga, S. Hazarika, S. Patra and G.I. Ramkrushna 

ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam-793 103, India

*Corresponding Author Email : rachna.ento@gmail.com

Paper received: 18.07.2019 ?????? ???????????????????????????????????????Revised received: 02.01.2020 ???????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????Accepted: 30.01.2020

Abstract

Aim: The present study was carried out to study the biology of tea caterpillar Andraca bipunctata on Eurya acuminata as an alternate host which will be useful for tea growers of Meghalaya and nearby area to monitor the incidence and timely management of this pest on alternative host itself.

Methodology: Insect population was collected from Umiam, Ri-Bhoi district situated in the mid altitude hills (Khasi hills) of Meghalaya. Six locations were selected randomly within the locality for the collection of eggs, larval instars and pupae from the host plant. Host plant was identified at Agro-forestry Division, ICAR-Research Complex for NEH, Umiam. Observations on all the biological parameters were recorded under laboratory conditions and analysed accordingly.            

Results: In present study, an alternative host of A. bipunctata was found in mid-altitude hills of Meghalaya state during survey which was identified as Eurya acuminatea. The insect was able to easily survive and complete its whole life cycle on this host plant, E. acuminata. ???      

Interpretation: E. acuminate acted as an alternative host and safe reservoir site for all the stages of A. bipunctata and thereby this host plant helps to survive the pest during unfavorable condition in main host (tea plantation). A. bipunctata is able to multiply their population on E. acuminata and get ready to damage on the main host for successive years.  

Key words: Alternative host, Bacillus sp., Bunch caterpillar, Endromidae, Eurya acuminata

Copyright ? 2020 Triveni Enterprises. All rights reserved. No part of the Journal can be reproduced in any form without prior permission. Responsibility regarding the authenticity of the data, and the acceptability of the conclusions enforced or derived, rest completely with the author(s).