Mango red banded caterpillar, autocharis albizonalis hampson,a destructive insect pest of mango orchards at upper gangetic plains of west bengal: a comprehensive analysis

Mango red banded caterpillar (MRBC), Autocharis albizonalis (Hampson) is one of the destructive pests of mango in orchards. This pest attacked mango fruit starting from marble shaped until to fruit maturity. Damage to mango fruits is insurmountable. Characteristic red and white alternative circular bands were found on the larval body. Larval stage of A. albizonalis was first found in March and then the highest number of population was observed in April and that was persistent up to June. MRBC fed on the mango pulp and made tunnel to reach seed. Climatic parameters such as temperature, relative humidity and rainfall variably influence the incidence of the caterpillar. Himsagar, Arka Anmol, Prabha Sankhar and Amrapali are respectively more susceptible varieties that were heavily affected by this insect pest. Synthetic insecticides, sticky bands, pheromone trap, and the application of egg parasitoids like Trichogramma chilonis and T. chilotraeae (Trichogrammatidae) are adopted to control the pest population.