1Division of Plant Genetic Resources, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta Lake P.O., Bengaluru -560089, India
2Division of Entomology and Nematology, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta Lake P.O., Bengaluru -560089, India
3Division of Extension and Training, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta Lake P.O., Bengaluru -560089, India
*E-mail: keelarashiva@iihr.ernet.in
Online published on 24 December, 2014.
Studies conducted at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru during 2013–14 revealed the occurrence of a heavy incidence of abug, Thunbergia sanguinarius (Stal.) (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) on the fruits of Decalapis hamiltonii, an endangered medicinal plant. Both adults and nymphs were observed sucking sap from the fruits. Mean population was 5.20/fruit and 25% of fruits on 50% of plants were infested with bugs. The affected fruits showed marks of sap sucking by nymphs and remained stunted and adversely affecting the seed development. There are no earlier reports on the occurrence of the pest on this plant species and hence it warrants a constant vigil on the pest.
Decalapis hamiltonii, medicinal plant, new record, Thunbergia sanguinarius