Abstract

The behaviour patterns and pest management of cossids in plantation crops in India were reviewed at a workshop on insect pest management strategies in coffee, cardamom and tea cropping systems, held in India in 1986. Most cossid species are polyphagous. Zeuzera coffeae, a pest of tea and coffee, has over 40 food plants. Many species also have a high reproductive rate, Xyleutes persona and X. ceramica lay about 60 000 and 1 000 eggs per female, respectivley. Multiple infestations of trees are common. Chemical control methods are generally not practical in plantations but the use of insecticide implants is being investigated. Ants and birds are important predators and the ichneumonid parasitoid Nemeritis tectonae provides effective control of X. ceramica. Beauveria bassiana causes mortality in Cossus cossus and X. ceramica but an appropriate method of application is needed. Other control measures include the removal of infested trees for the control of X. ceramica in teak [Tectona