Biological study of thysanoplusia orichalcea on phaseolus vulgaris from kishtwar, J&K, India

Agriculture is one of the most important industries in India. In agriculture, cultivation of pulses is an essential aspect. It acts as a source of food, nutrition and generates revenue for the country as well. Out of many pulses grown in Jammu &Kashmir, Phaseolus vulgaris commonly known as Rajmash is worth mentioning. District Kishtwar of J&K state is best endowed by nature in having rich biodiversity. Rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris) grown in this area is famous throughout India for its best taste and aroma. Besides its important food value, it also acts as ready cash for the growers of the district. Due to such significance, it becomes an important aspect to know more about this crop. Keeping this in view, the present work was done for the first time in the District Kishtwar of Jammu and Kashmir. During observations, a number of insects were found causing significant damage to the standing crop and out of all, Thysanoplusia orichalcea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a defoliating moth was recorded as a serious insect pest. Adult moth visit crop plant and lays eggs on the lower side of leaves. Larval stage exhibits the destructive phase. Freshly emerged larvae show scrapping of epidermal part of leaves while the maturing larvae feed voraciously on entire leaves even upon the veins and midribs of leaf. This behaviour of larvae interferes with the photosynthetic activity of plant and affects growth of plant. Infestation results in the skeletionization of the leaves, thereby, affecting badly the yield of this important cash crop of the area.