Bionomics of Alcidodes affaber Aurivillius (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Alcidodinae ), a serious pest of Bhendi, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench

Abstract :

Alcidodes affaber (Auriv.) has been observed as a major pest of bhendi crop in the Jammu region. A maximum of 16 specimen at different stages of development were recorded from a single plant. Weevils were found to breed from August to December and overwinters in soil or in the debris of harvested plants. Adults feed on soft tender parts of the plant viz. petiole, leaf buds, tender terminal portions and sometimes fruit also. Larvae borers and bored the stem and side branches to form irregular zig-zag galleries resulting into galls. Infestation varies from 20.8 to 90.3% with an average of 59.42±30.18%. Mating lasts for about half an hour. Incubation period varies from 3-6 days with an average of 4.20±1.18 days. Total larval period varies from 48 to 68 days with an average of 55.04±5.21 days. Pupal period ranges from 10 to 14 days with an average of 12.15±1.69 days. Total life span takes 61 to 84 days with an average of 71.39±8.08 days. Only one generation was observed


Keyword :

Bionomics, Alcidodes affaber, Abelmoschus esculentus, Alcidodinae, Curculonidae, Coleoptera, India


Author(s) : Sharma, S., Tara, J. S., Kour, R., Ramamurthy, V. V.
Downloads : 2551
Published Issue : 2012 Vol. 7 Number 1


2012 Vol. 7 Number 1