STATUS OF SHOOT AND FRUIT BORER, CONOGETHES SPP. (LEPIDOPTERA: CRAMBIDAE) IN THE ORIENT: BIOSYSTEMATICS, BIOECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

摘要

Conogethes punctiferalis currently represents one of the most widely spread and economically important lepidopterous pests inflicting direct injury to tender vegetative and reproductive plant parts. The Conogethes species are emerging as an importantgroup because of speciation, ability to disperse and wide host range comprising more than 120 species of diverse host plants. Conogethes punctiferalis is a large and complex taxon and comprehensive studies are required to elucidate the existing genetic variability. Biosystematic revision of the genus with molecular tools is urgently required. Bioecology of the pest is highly variable depending upon the host plant and habitat and therefore, any generalization on management strategy of the pest under different cultivated ecosystems is difficult. Hence, situation/location-specific studies on Conogethes are necessary for evolving rational pest management strategies.