First record of aristobia reticulator (voet) on aonla emblica officinalis gaertn

For the first time, stem borer Aristobia reticulator (Voet) has been recorded on Indian gooseberry or aonla Emblica officinalis Gaertn., from the northeastern region of India. Roving and fixed plot surveys were conducted to assess its incidence in plantations, where 58.9% damage was observed. Most of the trees were infested by >2 larvae/tree. It was also observed that older trees are more prone as female prefers these bigger and previously injured trees for oviposition. Larva progressively move downwards while feeding and travels 142.6- 178.7 cm inside the tunnels. The larval tunnels were short in young plantations and longer in aonla compared to litchi. The body measurements of all stages on A. reticulator were shorter on aonla compared with litchi. Beetles preferred to lay eggs on litchi, followed by aonla, whereas guava was the least preferred host for oviposition.