Potential yield losses caused by the adults of Schizonycha ruficollis on pomegranate (Punica granatum) flowers

Abstract

Pomegranate is an important fruit crop that is capturing international attention for its rich antioxidants and nutraceutical value. The demand for the fruit is rapidly increasing in major national and international markets. Therefore, any serious pest is of great importance and here we report the severe incidence of adult beetles of Schizonycha ruficollis that resulted in potential yield loss due to its feeding on pomegranate flowers in Devanahalli, Karnataka. Usually June/July adult beetle emerge and feed on hosts like neem and Melia rubra which the farmers plant them as wind breaks along the borders. These attract the beetles into pomegranate field and the pomegranate flowers are then infested by the adult beetles. The pomegranate on an average possess 223 female flowers per tree, which when damaged fails to set fruits causing economic loss. A documentation study during 2023 was taken up to evaluate the crop loss caused by S. ruficollis in pomegranate resulted in potential seven percent yield loss accounting to ₹ 53215/acre at the farm gate price. This loss can be avoided by initiating a management practice at the first site of the beetles especially after the first monsoon rain. This study also helped us to alert pomegranate exporters and extension officials about the need of preventive measures to avoid the yield loss.