Fruit and shoot borer is a common pest that affects chillies crops, causing significant damage to the plants and reducing yields. This insect, scientifically known as Helicoverpa armigera, is a notorious pest known for attacking a wide range of crops, including chillies.
The adult fruit and shoot borer is a moth with brown wings and a distinct white band on its forewings. It lays its eggs on the tender parts of the chilli plant, such as the flowers, buds, and fruits. The eggs hatch into larvae that bore into the fruit or shoot, feeding on the internal tissues and causing extensive damage.
The damage caused by fruit and shoot borer can be identified by the presence of entry holes on the fruits and shoots, along with the presence of frass (insect waste) inside the affected plant parts. Infested fruits may also show signs of rotting and wilting, leading to a decrease in yield and quality of the chillies.
Controlling fruit and shoot borer in chillies crops can be challenging, but there are several methods that farmers can use to manage this pest. Cultural practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, and timely planting can help reduce the population of fruit and shoot borers. Using pheromone traps to monitor adult populations and applying biopesticides can also be effective in controlling this pest.
Chemical control methods such as the application of insecticides should be used as a last resort, as they can have negative impacts on beneficial insects and the environment. It is important to follow integrated pest management practices and regularly monitor the chilli plants for signs of fruit and shoot borer infestation.
In conclusion, fruit and shoot borer is a serious pest that can cause significant damage to chillies crops. By implementing integrated pest management practices and using a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical control methods, farmers can effectively manage fruit and shoot borer infestations and protect their chilli crops from damage.