Occurrence of leaf and fruit scarring beetle, Nodostoma subcostatum (Jacoby) on banana in Odisha

Periodical survey on pest scenario of banana crop in the state of Odisha revealed that banana scarring beetle, Nodostoma subcostatum (Jacoby) has emerged as key pest in the region. Almost all the plantations surveyed had infestation at varying levels. The highest population and the highest damage were recorded in rainy season, though populations were recorded in other months too. The infested fruits lost marketability in case of complete damage or fetched very low market price. Farmers were unaware about the pest and its method of management. Present paper highlights the severity, seasonality and behavior of this beetle pest on banana, in odisha.