Leafhopper (Empoasca flavoscens Fabricius): A Major Pest of Castor Affecting Ericulture in Northeast India

Author: Mahesh D.S.*, Arunkumar K.P., Amit Kumar, Aftab A. Shabnam, Reeta Luikham and K.M. Vijayakumari

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Abstract

Castor (Ricinus communis) is one of the primary food plants of eri silkworm (Samia ricini D.). The leaves of castor are economically important for ericulture due to their feeding of domesticated eri silkworm. Hence, the quality parameters of the leaves directly influences eri silkworm rearing. There are several factors which directly affect the cocoon quality of erisilk worm viz., poor nutritional quality, dusted leaves, diseases infected leaves, pests infested leaves, etc. Among them, pest infested leaves significantly lower the yield and quality of castor leaves. Castor leafhopper, Empoasca flavoscens, is categorized under the seasonal sucking pest of castor (Mainly in winter and summer months). But, now a days this insect pest is becoming most devastating pest in Northeast India because of its behavior and incidence. Heavy infestation of leafhopper on castor impairs growth and reduces quality and number of leaves, which directly influences eri silkworm rearing. Till date, this pest

Keywords

flavoscen: Leafhopper (Empoasca s F.), Castor (Ricinus communis), Eri silkworm (Samia ricini D.)

Conclusion

Not much has been studied about leafhopper (Empoasca flavoscens) since it is considered as a seasonal pest in castor eco-system in Northeast India. The information on its taxonomy, distribution, life history, symptoms and recommended control measures discussed in this article is not sufficient to prepare an integrated pest management strategy for leafhopper. Therefore, in view of the importance of ericulture more studies should be conducted on pest population, yield loss assessment, quality of damaged leaves assessment, alternative hosts, cultural control measures, mechanical control measures, biological control measures and chemical control measures without affecting ericulture and environment. Such an effort will be definitely useful in the future to efficiently manage leafhopper from the castor ecosystem.

References

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How to cite this article

Mahesh, D.S., Arunkumar, K.P., Kumar, A., Shabnam, A.A., Luikham, R. and Vijayakumari, K.M. (2021). Leafhopper (Empoasca flavoscens Fabricius): A Major Pest of Castor Affecting Ericulture in Northeast India. Biological Forum – An International Journal,