Pest:Lace Wing Bug

Lace wing is a small sized bug measuring about 4 mm in size(Fig 115) . The wings are transparent and lace like. Thirty eggs are laid. Egg period is 12 days. Nymphal period lasts for 13 days. Periods from March to May show highest incidence by this pest.

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Symptoms

  • Nymphs and adults are seen in colonies on the lower surface of leaves.
  • Due to drraining of sap by the insect numerous pin point spots develop on both surface of leaves and the areas where the insects colonize turn yellowish in colour(Fig 116).
  • The symptom of damage is visible from a distance.

Procedure for Observation

Select 10 plants per cent at random and assess intensity of damage as mild ,moderate and severe. Also note the presence of adults and nymphs.

Mild : Yellowing of one outer whorl of leaf associated with the presence of the pest or its feeding punctures.

Moderate: Premature withering of more than one outer whorl of leaves associated with feeding punctures or presence of pests.

Severe: Withering of all outer whorl of leaves followed by yellowing of one inner whorl of leaf associated with feeding punctures or presence of pest.

ETL

Mild-Yellowing of one outer whorl of leaf associated with presence of pest or its feeding punctures.

Control Measures

  • Cut and burn the first infested outer whorl of leaves.
  • Spray 2 % neem oil garlic emulsion.
  • Spray quinalphos 25 EC at 2 ml per lit or dimethoate (Roger 30 EC @ 1.5 ml/L) covering the lower surface of leaves.