DefinePK

Abstract

ABSTRACT BIOLOGICAL STUDIES ON LEAF STITCHER OF POPLARS, GYPSONOMA HAPALOSARCA MEYR IN PAKISTAN M. Ismail Chaudhry and Iqbal Ahmad, Pakistan Forest Institute, Peshawar Abstract: Gypsonoma hapalosarca Tortricidae (Lepidoptera) is a serious pest of Poplars in Pakistan. This leaf stitcher becomes active in the beginning of April and passes through 6-7 generations during growing season. The larvae stitch two or more leaves together with silken threads and feed on parenchyma tissues, leaving network of viens and skeleton of leaves intact. It causes more than 90% leaf stitching when severe. The moths from hibernating pupae emerge during March and copulate 10-20 hours after emergence. The duration of mating varies from 25 minutes to 8 hours. The moths start laying eggs 12 hours after mating. A single female on an average lays 163.5 eggs with a range of 71 to 264 eggs per female. The oviposition period varied from 3-5 days. Incubation period varied from 3 to 9 days. Larvae just after hatching start stitching leaves and feed inside. The larval during duration lasts for 9 to 24 days during which they pass through 5-6 larval instars. Pupation takes place within the stitched leaves, in cracks and crevices on the bark and under leaves attached to the stem and branches of the trees. The insect remains under pupation for 6 to 14 days. A life cycle is completed in 21 to 52 days. The pest hibernates in pupal stage from December to February during winter.