Division of Entomology and Nematology, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta, Bangalore-560 089 (India).
Studies on the biology of sapota bud borer, Anarsia achrasella Bradley, revealed that the mean duration of egg, larval and pupal stages were 4.5 ± 0.51, 13 ± 2.4, 7.5 ± 0.51 days, respectively. The total lie cycle was completed within 23.4 ± 0.51 days under laboratory conditions where temperature and relative humidity were n.36 ± 0.49°C and 81.96 ± 4.62%, respextively. The longevity of male and female moths was 4.50 ± 1.58 and 5.33 ± 1.63 days, respectively. Average fecundity was recorded as 53.25 ± 11.30 eggs/female. During the larval stage, 47.25 and 51.11% mortalities were caused by unknown factors under laboratory and field conditions, respectively. Also, 24.44% mortality was observed due to a hymenopteran parasitoid, Goniozus sp. under field conditions. A maximum percentage incidence of the borer was recorded as 5.25% during January. First and second instar larvae were noticed feeding between the petals and sepals. Later instars damaged the ovary.
