A cost-effective whole-orchard netting (net-house) for preventing fruit sucking moth, Eudocima materna  in pomegranate (Punica granatum) orchard

M A Rashmi; Abraham Verghese; Raghavendra V G

doi:10.56093/ijas.v96i4.175757

Authors

M A Rashmi Rashvee-International Phytosanitary Research and Services Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, Karnataka 560 024, India
Abraham Verghese Rashvee-International Phytosanitary Research and Services Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, Karnataka 560 024, India
Raghavendra V G Rashvee-International Phytosanitary Research and Services Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, Karnataka 560 024, India

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v96i4.175757

Keywords:

Azadirachtin, Baiting, Eudocima materna, Integrated Pest Management, Karnataka, Netting, Pomegranate, Punica granatum, Residue Free Production

Abstract

Fruit piercing and sucking moth (FPSM), Eudocima materna, causes serious pre‑harvest losses in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) in South Karnataka during the peak fruiting season (september–november). Adult moths pierce the fruit rind, leading to secondary rots, while chemical control is ineffective and undesirable due to residue concerns. A three‑year field study (2023–25) conducted in two commercial orchards in Devanahalli taluk evaluated four management options: whole‑orchard netting, single‑tree netting, banana baiting with chlorpyrifos and azadirachtin spray. Whole‑orchard and single‑tree netting consistently resulted in zero fruit damage across all years, whereas banana baiting and azadirachtin provided partial control. Statistical analysis confirmed highly significant treatment effects. Whole‑orchard netting, costing about ₹ 20,000 per acre, offered complete protection with a favorable benefit-cost ratio. Demonstration effects led to rapid farmer adoption, with over 92% adoption across major pomegranate‑growing regions by 2025. Whole‑orchard netting thus represents an effective, residue‑free, eco‑friendly and economically viable strategy for FPSM management.

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