Symptoms of damage:

• Larva seen in groups in tree trunks
• Feed gregariously
• Scraping the bark and gnawing foliage
• Severe infestation leads to defoliation of the tree

Identification of pest:

• Eggs: Laid in clusters on leaves and tender stem
• Larva: Brownish in colour with densely hairy
• Adult: Large size moth with uniform light yellowish brown in colour

Management:

• Collect and destroy egg masses and caterpillars
• Set up light trap @ 1/ha to attract and kill adults immediately after rain
• Use burning torch to kill congregating larvae on the trunk
• Spray FORS @ 25g/lit or carbaryl 50 WP @ 2g/lit