Teak defoliator

Among the insect pests attacking teak, the teak defoliator, Hyblaea puera Cramer (Hyblaeidae, Lepidoptera) is the most widespread and serious pest causing about 44.1% loss in increment volume of plants,. Hence, in the present investigation an attempt is being made to study the population dynamics of Hyblaea puera at the agro climatic situation of coastal Odisha situating at 19.2-21.4ºN Latitude and 84.9-86.9ºE Longitude. Highest population of this pest was recorded in larger teak plants during 2nd fortnight, July 2016 and during July, 2017respectively. Spathodea campanulata was recorded little higher population during July 2nd fortnight, 2016and the other studied host, Vitex negundo recorded highest larval population during August, first fortnight, 2016 respectively. The correlation co-efficient of larval population density recorded from different host plants during different months of the year was found to be statistically significant along with prevailing rainfall and relative humidity (%). Much difference was not observed in final instar larval weight and duration, male and female adult morphology and longevity in all the studied hosts. However, more male(237.20mg) and female(287.00mg) pupal weight was observed in population reared with Spathodea campanulata Sudden appearance of Hyblaea puera populations in coastal tract of Odisha coinciding with onset of monsoon may be due to wind aided migration of moths from southern Indian states witnessing large areas under plantation of teak. The end season population is subjected to natural mortality factors like predation and parasitism (63% in July 2017 collected population). Residual population surviving the stresses, either may be perished due to non availability of sufficient fresh leaves during that period or may be migrated to nearby mangrove forests.