The female punctures outer wall of mature fruits with the help of its pointed ovipositor and insert eggs in small clusters inside mesocarp of mature fruits.
Brown spots are seen on outer surface of fruit
On hatching, the maggots feed on fruit pulp and the infested fruits start rotting due to further secondary infection.
Management
Prior to harvest (30-40 days) collect and dispose off infested and fallen fruits to prevent further, multiplication and carry over of population.
Ploughing of orchard during November-December to expose pupae to sun’s heat which kills them.
Traps baited with basil can be hanged at branches @ 4 no/tree
Hot water treatment of fruit at 48 ± 10oC for 60 min.
Soil application of beauveria bassiana 2% (20g/litre of water)
If infestation is heavy, prepare the solution of mlathion 2 ml in 1 litre of water + 20 gram jaggery and spray @ monthly intervals.
