Here is the information you requested for the pests that affect Arecanut trees:
1. Spindle Bug:
- Scientific Name: Carvalhoia arecae
- Family: Miridae
- Order: Hemiptera
- Damaging Stage: Nymphs and adults
- Nature of Damage: Feeding on the tender parts of inflorescences, causing wilting, necrosis, and shedding of flowers.
- Oviposition: Eggs are laid on the tender parts of inflorescences.
- Pupation Site: Not applicable (as they undergo incomplete metamorphosis)
- Management: Cultural practices such as removing and destroying infected inflorescences, spraying with insecticides (like neem-based products), and promoting natural enemies like predatory bugs and spiders.
2. Inflorescence Caterpillar:
- Scientific Name: Tiracola plagiata
- Family: Erebidae
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Damaging Stage: Larvae (caterpillars)
- Nature of Damage: Feeding on the inflorescences and young leaves, causing defoliation and damage to developing nuts.
- Oviposition: Eggs are laid on the inflorescences and young leaves.
- Pupation Site: The caterpillars pupate in the soil or leaf litter.
- Management: Regular monitoring and early detection, manual removal of caterpillars, installation of pheromone traps, use of biological control agents like parasitic wasps (e.g., Trichogramma spp.), and judicious use of insecticides if necessary.
