Biology and dynamics Hypsipyla robusta (Moore) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Abstract

Hypsipyla shoot borer (Hypsipyla robusta (Moore)) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is the main pest of mahogany plants. This pest attacks the apical shoots and inhibits the growth of mahogany. This study observed the biology, damage, and attack patterns of Hypsipyla shoot borer attack on mahogany plants. The study was conducted for 1 yr by periodically monitoring per 2 mo of 3 blocks of mahogany plantation in KHDTK Haurbentes, Jawa Barat. Data collected included 1) observation of symptoms, signs, presence of pests, effects of attacks, and 2) number of attacks. The symptom of the shoot borer was the presence of a hole filled with powder from the secretion of pests; the sign of an attack was the appearance of shoot borer larvae in the stem hole of the shoot area; while the effects of attacks were the death of the shoot and the emergence of multishoots. Observation showed that shoot borer attacks were not influenced by the weather, with the highest attack occurred in March 2017. Various levels of instars could be found at one time, indicating that insect growth in the field was not uniform. One cycle takes 5 to 8 wk. The highest rate of repeated attacks founded was 7 times/tree/yr, the average attack occurred 2-4 times/tree/yr.