Severe incidence of mustard sawfly, Athalia lugens proxima (Klug) on leafy Chinese cabbage, Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis

Severe incidence of mustard sawfly, Athalia lugens proxima (Klug) (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) was noticed in the experimental fields of Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore on leaf chinese cabbage (=Bok choy), Brassica rapa ssp. chinenesis. Larvae of mixed instars were found feeding/skeletonising the foliage causing severe defoliation (65–80%). Initially, the larvae were found making holes preferably on young leaves later devouring entire foliage leaving only veins. Many larvae (9.86 ± 1.70) were found feeding on the leaves with dark scattered excreta. This pest can become potential threat in future crop expansion scenarios.