Brinjal Fruit Borer and Its Control: Life Cycle, IPM, Biological, and Chemical Methods.

Brinjal (Solanum melongena), also known as eggplant or aubergine, is a widely cultivated vegetable in India and across Asia.

However, one of the most notorious pests affecting this crop is the brinjal fruit borer, scientifically known as Leucinodes orbonalis. This pest significantly reduces yield and quality, making effective control strategies essential for sustainable brinjal farming.

In this article, we’ll explore the Brinjal Fruit Borer and Its Control, Life Cycle, IPM, Biological, and Chemical Methods.

Brinjal Fruit Borer and Its Control: Identification and Damage Symptoms.

The brinjal fruit borer primarily targets the shoots and fruits of the plant. The larvae bore into the tender shoots during the early stages and later migrate to the fruits, causing internal feeding and external holes filled with excrement.

Symptoms of damage:

• Drooping of tender shoots
• Boreholes in fruits with larval excreta
• Premature fruit drop
• Decreased marketability and yield loss up to 60–70%

Life Cycle of Brinjal Fruit Borer

Understanding the life cycle of Leucinodes orbonalis is crucial for effective timing of control measures.

1. Egg Stage:
   • Female moths lay creamy-white, oval eggs singly on the underside of leaves, flower buds, or young fruit.
   • Each female lays up to 250 eggs during her lifetime.
   • Egg incubation period is 3–5 days.
2. Larval Stage:
   • Upon hatching, larvae bore into shoots or fruits and feed internally.
   • The larval stage lasts for 12–15 days.
   • This stage causes the maximum damage.
3. Pupal Stage:
   • Pupation occurs inside dry leaves, plant debris, or soil.
   • The pupal period lasts 6–10 days.
4. Adult Stage:
   • Adults are small, white moths with pinkish-brown markings.
   • They live for 5–10 days and are nocturnal.
   • Reproduction and egg-laying continue the cycle.

A complete life cycle takes approximately 2–3 weeks in warm conditions, allowing for multiple generations to occur within a single season.

Control Measures for Brinjal Fruit Borer

Effective control requires an integrated approach that combines cultural, biological, and chemical methods to achieve optimal results. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) offers long-term sustainability while reducing dependency on harmful chemicals.

1. Cultural Control

Cultural practices can significantly reduce infestation levels:

• Use of resistant varieties: Cultivars such as ‘Arka Sheel’ and ‘Punjab Barsati’ exhibit moderate resistance.
• Timely sowing: Early sowing helps avoid peak borer activity.
• Field sanitation: Regular removal and destruction of infected shoots and fruits.
• Crop rotation: Avoid growing solanaceous crops consecutively in the same field.
• Intercropping: Growing marigold with brinjal helps attract and trap moths.
• Deep ploughing: Kills overwintering pupae in the soil.

2. Biological Control

Biological control uses natural enemies of the pest to suppress its population.

• Egg parasitoids:
  • Trichogramma chilonis can parasitise brinjal borer eggs.
  • Recommended release: 50,000 adults/ha at weekly intervals starting 30 days after transplanting.
• Larval parasitoids:
  • Bracon hebetor and Chelonus blackburni are effective against larvae.
• Predators:
  • Ladybird beetles, green lacewings, and spiders feed on eggs and larvae.
• Bio-pesticides:
  • Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a safe microbial insecticide that kills caterpillars.
  • Spray Bt at 1-2 g/liter of water weekly during flowering and fruiting stages.
• Neem-Based Products:
  • Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE) at 5% or neem oil 2% can reduce egg-laying and feeding.
  • Acts as a repellent and growth regulator.

3. Chemical Control

When pest population crosses the economic threshold level (ETL: 2 larvae/plant or 5% fruit infestation), chemical insecticides may be used judiciously.

Recommended Insecticides:

• Spinosad 45 SC – 0.3 ml/l of water
• Emamectin benzoate 5 SG – 0.4 g/l of water
• Flubendiamide 480 SC – 0.2 ml/l of water
• Cypermethrin 10 EC – 0.5 ml/l (use with caution to avoid resistance)
• Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC – 0.3 ml/l of water

Guidelines for Chemical Use:

• Rotate insecticides with different modes of action to prevent the development of resistance.
• Always observe the pre-harvest interval (PHI) to avoid pesticide residue.
• Avoid indiscriminate use to protect pollinators and beneficial insects.

4. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Approach

IPM is a holistic approach combining all control methods to achieve effective and environmentally safe pest management.

Components of IPM for Brinjal Fruit Borer:

StageControl Measure

Pre-sowing: Deep ploughing, removal of crop residues, selection of tolerant varieties

Nursery Use of nylon net barrier, neem seed extract spray

Main field: Intercropping with marigold, pheromone traps, release of biocontrol agents

Monitoring Installation of 4–6 pheromone traps/acre to track pest activity

Threshold Apply bio-pesticides first; use chemicals only if infestation crosses ETL

5. Use of Pheromone Traps

Pheromone traps are a crucial tool in both monitoring and mass trapping.

• Install 4–6 pheromone traps per acre to attract male moths.
• Replace lures regularly, every 2–3 weeks.
• Mass trapping reduces mating and future larval populations.

6. Farmer Field Hygiene and Awareness

• Train field workers to identify early symptoms and remove infested parts.
• Educate on proper disposal of infected fruits to break the pest life cycle.
• Encourage neighbour farmers to follow similar IPM practices to avoid pest migration.

Conclusion

Controlling brinjal fruit borer requires a multi-pronged strategy. Relying solely on chemicals can lead to the development of resistance and environmental damage. Instead, IPM practices that integrate cultural, biological, and minimal chemical methods offer the best chance for effective, economical, and eco-friendly pest control.

Timely action, field vigilance, and informed decisions can significantly enhance yield and quality, ensuring profitable brinjal farming for both small and large growers.

FAQs

Q1. What is the best time to start controlling brinjal fruit borer?

Start at the early vegetative stage using pheromone traps and neem-based sprays. Regular scouting helps early detection.

Q2. Is biological control alone sufficient?

In low-to-moderate infestations, yes. But for high infestations, combine it with cultural and selective chemical methods.

Q3. How often should I spray for brinjal fruit borer?

Spray intervals depend on pest pressure, but are typically every 7–10 days during the flowering and fruiting stages.

Q4. Can I grow brinjal without any chemical pesticides?

Yes, with the adoption of strict IPM practices, resistant varieties, and consistent monitoring, chemical-free production is achievable.

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