Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi - 110012, (India).
In recent years, the earhead caterpillar, Eublemma silicula Swinh, has become more severe on pearl millet, Pennisetum typhoides (Burm.). During kharif (rainy season) 1995, serious outbreak of E. silicula was observed on pearl millet. The caterpillars were found feeding on maturing grains and concealed themselves under a small dome-shaped or elongated gallery made of anthers and silk. The quality of damaged grains deteriorated when exposed to rains. The population of E. silicula caterpillars varied from 2 to 6 per earhead. Varietal influence was observed on the incidence of E. silicula. Pearl millet genotype Pusa 605 followed by MLBH 104 suffered least damage and PPM 1301 was the most susceptible entry. The pest status of E. silicula was thus established on pearl millet. Late August to early September was the most active period for the pest.
