Here's the information you requested for the pests affecting curry leaf trees:
1. Scale Insect:
- Scientific Name: Coccus hesperidum
- Family: Coccidae
- Order: Hemiptera
- Damaging Stage: Nymphs and adults
- Nature of Damage: Scale insects suck sap from the leaves, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. They also secrete honeydew, which leads to the growth of sooty mold.
- Oviposition: Female scale insects lay eggs under their protective waxy covering.
- Pupation Site: Scale insects do not undergo a true pupal stage.
- Management: Cultural control methods involve pruning heavily infested branches and applying horticultural oil sprays. Biological control can be achieved using predatory insects or introducing parasitic wasps specific to scale insects.
2. Psylla:
- Scientific Name: Diaphorina citri
- Family: Psyllidae
- Order: Hemiptera
- Damaging Stage: Nymphs and adults
- Nature of Damage: Psylla insects feed on the sap of the leaves and excrete honeydew, which leads to the growth of sooty mold. They are also vectors for the bacteria that cause citrus greening disease.
- Oviposition: Female psylla insects lay eggs on the undersides of leaves.
- Pupation Site: Psylla nymphs secrete a waxy covering called a "psyllid helmet" under which they develop into adults.
- Management: Integrated pest management strategies involve monitoring and early detection, pruning infested branches, and applying insecticides when necessary. Biological control agents, such as parasitic wasps, can also be used to manage psylla populations.
3. Lemon Butterfly:
- Scientific Name: Papilio demoleus
- Family: Papilionidae
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Damaging Stage: Larvae (caterpillars)
- Nature of Damage: Lemon butterfly caterpillars feed on the leaves of curry leaf trees, causing defoliation and weakening of the plant. They can cause significant damage if the infestation is severe.
- Oviposition: Female lemon butterflies lay eggs on the leaves of the host plant.
- Pupation Site: Caterpillars pupate in a chrysalis, usually attached to a leaf or stem.
- Management: Manual removal of caterpillars and affected leaves can help control the infestation. Insecticides may be used if the infestation is severe, although care should be taken to minimize harm to beneficial insects and pollinators.
