Survey on the incidence of the stem borer, Batocera rufomaculata in mulberry plantations in Palakkad district, Kerala

The extend of larval infestation of the pest Batocera rufomaculata was studied in conducted in selected panchayaths in Chittur Taluk of Palakkad district in Kerala state between April to September 2008. Maximum larval infestation was recorded in Pattamcheri panchayath (48%) followed by Nallepilly (39.65%) and Perumatty (39.53%). On an average 30.08% mulberry plants were infested by B.rufomaculata in the study sites. The larvae were found to be inside the shoot and feed extensively the tender leaves which ultimately affect the cocoon production.