Epidemic of Deodar Defoliator <I>Ectropis deodarae</I> Prout (Lepidoptera : Geometridae) in Kamraj Forest Division (J & K) and its Control by Aerial Spraying of Fenitrothion

Abstract

Epidemic defoliation of deodar forests by Ectropis deodarae in Lolab Valley was reported in August, 1982. The population of the pest was monitored in early spring of 1983, by counting pupae on the ground per unit area, the ascending female moth stuck up on sticky bands applied to deodar trees and also larval population per twig. As the population was found to be on the increase and an epidemic was threatened a decision was taken to spray an organophosphorous compound fenitrothion from the air. Two Beaver aircrafts were used for the operation. The dispensing equipment used was boom and nozzle and the insecticide dosage was 1 litre per hectare Pre and Post-treatment counts of the pest population gave 92% kill. Non-target organisms hit by the spray were also monitored. There was no mortality of birds and other vertebrates. A good number of non-target insects including Calosoma beesoni, the predator beetle of Ectropis deodarae were also hit. The dosage can be safely reduced to 775 ml/hectare which will effectively kill tbe pest and cause less harm to predators.