Comparative Bio-efficacy of Chemical-based Pest Management against Three Generations of Flat-headed Borer, Sphenoptera lafertei, Infesting Cherry

Abstract

The flat-headed borer Sphenoptera lafertei is a destructive pest of cherry trees that infests the trunk region. The larvae feed on cambial tissue, disrupting nutrient translocation and ultimately causing the tissue to dry out and die, leading to severe economic loss. The present research was undertaken at Fruit Experimental Farm, SKUAST-K, Shalimar, 34.148º N and 74.835ºE, during the years 2024 and 2025, to evaluate the bio-efficacy of chemical insecticides against three consecutive generations of Flat-headed borer Sphenoptera lafertei infesting cherry using a randomised block design (RBD). Three plants from each cherry variety with symptoms of gum exudation/ gummosis, along with sawdust/ excreta, were selected for the chemical treatment. Chemical insecticides, viz., Dimethoate 30 EC, Flubendiamide 39.35 SC, Chlorpyriphos 50 EC + Cypermethrin 5 EC, Thiacloprid 21.7 SC, were applied at appropriate concentrations. The results revealed that the highest reduction of emergent holes over control was recorded with the application of Dimethoate 30 EC @ 0.03% as 71.10, 68.70 and 77.11 per cent against pest Generation I, Generation II and Generation III, respectively however the chemical treatment of Flubendiamide 39.35 SC @ 0.40 % resulted in the lowest reduction of holes over control as 58.50, 54.22 and 70.23 per cent against pest Generation I, Generation II and Generation III, respectively. The reduction in exit holes over the control with the application of all test insecticides was highest against the third pest generation, followed by the first generation, while the least reduction was recorded against the second pest generation. The results suggest that the application of Dimethoate at the larval stage of 1st and 3rd generations is effective for the management of Sphenoptera lafertei. The study aids in developing effective management strategies against Sphenoptera lafertei by selecting suitable insecticides and implementing generation-specific practices.