Population dynamics and management of sapota seed borer, Trymalitis margarias (Meyrick)

The population dynamics of seed borer, Trymalitis margarias Meyrick on different varieties of sapota was studied at Fruit Research Station, NAU, Gandevi, India during 2014–15. The peak occurrence of pest was in November-December (3.56–5.75%) coinciding with the peak fruiting stage. The seed borer damage was mainly influenced by minimum temperature, evening relative humidity and bright sunshine hrs. Among eight varieties evaluated, PKM-3 (0.85%), PKM-4 (0.97%) and CO-3 (1.05%) were found to be less infested, while Kalipatti (4.32%) and Cricket ball (3.14%) recorded highest average fruit damage. Whereas, PKM-1, DHS-1 and DHS-2 were moderately infested to the extent of 1.23–1.85 per cent during 2014–15. The bio-efficacy of individual as well as ready combo insecticides was tested against sapota seed borer during October-November with ten treatments replicated thrice on Kalipatti variety. The application of deltamethrin 1 EC + triazophos 35 EC 0.036% (4.11%) and profenophos 40 EC + cypermethrin 5 EC 0.044% (4.56%) found superior over their individual insecticides application, but equally effective with thiodicarb 75 WP 0.15% (4.11%) and emamectin benzoate 5 SG 0.0022% (4.89%) in reducing seed borer infestation.