Seasonal cyclicity and behavior of sapota seed borer, Trymalitis margarias Meyrick

Seed borer, Trymalitis margarias Meyrick is an emerging pest in main sapota orchards of South Gujarat region. Studies on seasonal occurrence pattern indicated that the incidence commenced from September and the peak activity was recorded during November (9.33 to 9.67%) and December (10.00 to 12.33%) at core fruiting phase. The fruit damage slightly declined in January (6.00–7.00%) and again attained maximum in February (8.00–9.33%) and March (9.67–10.33%). There was prevailing positive influence of bright sunshine hours and negative impact of minimum temperature, evening relative humidity and rainfall during peak infestation period with 59 to 77 per cent variability in seed borer fruit damage. The current ecological conditions are more favourable for seed borer activity.