Pest Management in Horticultural Ecosystems

A weevil, Alcidodes sp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) was found to infest the seeds of Cinnamomum sulphuratum. The biology of Alcidodes sp. was studied. The eggs were oval, elongate, broadly rounded at the ends and pale yellow in colour and lasted for about 5–8 days. The larvae were ‘C’ shaped, measuring 9–10 mm in length, white in colour and found feeding inside the seed for a period of 30 -35 days, while the pupal period lasted for 12–15 days. The adults were stout, elongate, oval, black in colour and light brown stripes running alternately throughout the length of the elytra. The mean percent infestation of seeds ranged from 32–38.62 during the two years of study. Infestation has adversely affected the seed germination and a decreasing trend in germination was observed, with increase in infestation level.