Bionomics, nature of damage and control of Galerucella birmanica Jacoby - Pest of waternut (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

Abstract

Galerucella birmanica Jacoby is exclusively a pest of waternut, Trapa bispinosa Roxburgh, and occurs throughout India. Probable causes for the confusion in defining the genus Galerucella are reviewed. Nature and extent of damage as well as ist life and sesonal histories are described. These beetles are found to be partially resistant to BHC or toher chlorinated hydrocarbons. As a result of insecticidal trials conducted on field scale to evolve alternative methods of control 10% Carbaryl dust at the rate of 25 lbs per acre has proved effective in controlling this serious pest.