Saluria inficita, the white stem borer, is a moth of the family Pyralidae. The species was first described by Francis Walker in 1863.[1] It is found in India and Sri Lanka.[2]

Saluria inficita
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Pyralidae
Genus: Saluria
Species:
S. inficita
Binomial name
Saluria inficita
Walker, 1863

Its caterpillars are pests of Eleusine coracana, Oryza sativa, Setaria italica and Zea mays.[3]

Description

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The adult has brownish wings. A pale white band runs along the margin of forewings. Hindwings white. The caterpillar is whitish creamy coloured with a yellow head.[4][5] Eggs grey with a tuft of hairs. Pupa brownish.[6]

Caterpillars attack root areas of the plant and then bore into the soft tissues. After severe infestations, the plants show dried up shoots and turn yellow. Damage can controlled by hand picking, pheromone usage, light traps and usage of chemical insecticides such as carabaryl, methyl parathion, phosphomidon or dimethoate.[6]

References

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  1. ^ "Species Details: Saluria inficita Walker, 1863". Catalogue of Life. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
  2. ^ Koçak, Ahmet Ömer; Kemal, Muhabbet (20 February 2012). "Preliminary list of the Lepidoptera of Sri Lanka". Cesa News (79). Centre for Entomological Studies Ankara: 1–57 – via Academia.
  3. ^ "HOSTS - a Database of the World's Lepidopteran Hostplants". The Natural History Museum. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  4. ^ "Millets and Maize pests - Saluria inficita". ICAR-NBAIR. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  5. ^ "Agricultural pests - Saluria inficita". ICAR-NBAIR. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  6. ^ a b "White stem borer: Saluria inficita". TNAU Agritec Portal. Retrieved 28 March 2018.