• Larva bores into flower buds and causes shedding

Identification of pest:

• Eggs: Creamy oval eggs laid singly on flower buds
• Larva: Dirty brown with a prominent mid dorsal stripe, black head and prothoracic shield
• Pupa: Pupation takes place in earthen cocoon in the soil
• Adult: Forewings are dark brown in colour, Hind wings are white with brown border

Management:

• Collect and destroy the flower and buds
• Spray malathion 1 litre/hectare