Occurrence of Green Semilooper Chrysodeixis acuta Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Onion (Allium cepa L.) (Amaryllidaceae)

Abstract

The occurrence of green semilooper, Chrysodeixis acuta Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in onion was recorded for the first time from the Pune district of Maharashtra State of India. Weekly observations of the pest and its damage were made to assess the intensity of the caterpillar population and its impact to the onion crop. Early instar larvae of C. acuta feed by scraping the leaves, whereas the later instars make circular cuts in the leaves. The presence of large cuts and defoliation is a sign of infestation in onion. Since C. acuta is polyphagous, it may spread to onion crops in the region and cause significant damage to the crop. Therefore, further research is required to monitor its spread and ability to become a pest in onion.