Symptoms
An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme involving monitoring of pest population, cultural applications, practices biological controls and insecticides.
Management
Caterpillars feed on leaves, buds, growing points and flowers. Leaf damage reduces leaf area which can slow plant growth. Feeding on flowers causes the primary damage. Caterpillars usually bore clean, circular holes through flowers and leaves. Excrements (faeces/waste) of the feeding caterpillars are placed away from damaged plant parts and the holes serve as entry points for secondary infection by diseases, causing decay. One caterpillar can damage several flowers and leaves and helicoverpa armigera is a quarantine pest.
Caterpillar Life Cycle
