Incidence of tortrix moth, Acanthoclita conciliate Meyrick (Tortricidae: Lepidoptera) on Butea monosperma in Bundelkhand region of India

Abstract

Butea monosperma (Lam.) is the commercial host for lac insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr), it yields gum-butea which is one of the most economically important non timber forest produce. This tree is natuarally grown in the central parts of India and offers an opportunity of alternate livelihood option in the form of natural gum and lac production. However of late, the attack of insect pests  on Butea monosperma  making the natural stands vulnerable to infestation and further growth retardation. In present study, , the incidence of tortrix moth, Acanthoclita conciliate Meyrick recorded for two consecutive years on young growing shoots of butea plants during monsoon. The detailed morphological description of Acanthoclita conciliate along with nature of damage on Butea monosperma  has been presented for clear understanding of the field level diagnosis and further prevention of the Acanthoclita conciliate damage.