Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer: A Major Winter Pest Causing Crop Loss

The Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) is one of the most destructive pests that impact brinjal (eggplant) crops, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. If not managed promptly and effectively, this pest can lead to significant crop loss by damaging both the shoots and fruits, severely affecting yield and quality.

Causes of Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer Infestation

Several environmental and plant-related factors create favorable conditions for the brinjal shoot and fruit borer to thrive:

• Warm Temperatures (25-30°C): Higher temperatures encourage increased borer activity, accelerating their life cycle and infestation rates.
• High Humidity (Above 70%): Humid conditions are ideal for the pest, allowing them to reproduce and spread more easily.
• Weak or Stressed Plants: Weakened plants, either from environmental stress or poor nutrition, are more vulnerable to infestation, as they lack the resilience to resist the pest.
• Weeds and Alternate Hosts: The borer can also survive on weeds and wild relatives of brinjal, making it easier for the pest to spread across fields.

Symptoms of Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer Infestation

Identifying the pest early is crucial for timely management. The following symptoms can help detect a brinjal shoot and fruit borer infestation:

• Shoot Boring: The larvae bore into the tender shoots, causing wilting, yellowing, and dieback of the plant.
• Fruit Damage: Bored holes appear in the fruits, making them unfit for the market and leading to severe economic losses.
• Visible Larvae: The larvae are pinkish caterpillars and can be found inside the damaged shoots and fruits.
• Reduced Yield: Infested plants produce fewer fruits, and the overall quality of the crop is significantly reduced, leading to financial losses for farmers.

Preventive Measures for Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer

Preventing the infestation before it takes hold is the most effective way to manage this pest. Here are some key preventive practices:

• Healthy Seedlings: Begin with strong, healthy seedlings that are less prone to attack by pests.
• Field Hygiene: Maintaining cleanliness in the field by removing weeds and plant debris reduces the chances of the pest finding shelter and alternative hosts.
• Proper Spacing: Ensure enough space between plants to promote good air circulation, which helps reduce humidity and prevents pest buildup.
• Regular Monitoring: Keep a close eye on plants and fields for early signs of pest damage, so immediate action can be taken.
• Crop Rotation: Rotating brinjal crops with non-host crops can disrupt the pest's life cycle, reducing the likelihood of infestation.
• Companion Planting: Certain plants can repel the pest or attract beneficial insects that act as natural predators of the borer.
• Management Strategy:
• For effective pest control, spray Chlorpyriphos 20% EC at 2.5-3ml/lt to manage pests. Use Chlorantraniliprole 0.4% GR at 10kg/acre for control, ensuring even distribution for protection.
• Krishi Seva Kendra is your trusted platform for expert agricultural solutions, offering innovative products to help farmers protect and boost crop yields from seed to harvest.

Krishi Seva Kendra is your trusted platform for expert agricultural solutions, offering innovative products to help farmers protect and boost crop yields from seed to harvest.