I am facing a severe issue with my tobacco plants where pests or insects appear to be targeting seed pots (pods) and flowers. All the seeds are being eaten or destroyed, and the seed pod-carrying shoots are drying up progressively. Interestingly, no visible signs of infestation are observed on other parts of the plant. The affected shoots eventually dry and die back.
This damage is specific to seed-producing parts and is not observed on vegetative growth. I have not been able to identify the pest, and there is no clear evidence like frass, webbing, or visible larvae/adults on the plants.
Could anyone suggest what type of pest or insect could be responsible for this damage?
Also, what preventive or control measures would you recommend to protect the seed pods and ensure healthy seed development?
Any insights, identification tips, or relevant literature references would be greatly appreciated
The symptoms you describe—destruction of tobacco seed pods and flowers, loss of seeds, and progressive dieback of seed-bearing shoots, with no visible pests or damage on vegetative parts—strongly suggest infestation by the tobacco budworm (Helicoverpa armigera) or a similar capsule-boring insect. These pests lay eggs on flowers or seed pods; the larvae then bore inside, feeding on seeds and internal tissues, often without leaving obvious external signs like frass or webbing. As a result, affected shoots dry out and die.
Key Points:
- The most likely culprit is Helicoverpa armigera (tobacco budworm/capsule borer).
- Damage is usually confined to reproductive parts (flowers and seed pods), with larvae hidden inside.
- Other capsule borers or stem borers are possible but less common.
Recommended Control Measures:
References:
- Helicoverpa armigera is a well-documented pest of tobacco seed pods (see: "Pests of Tobacco" by M.R. Srinivasan, FAO Plant Production and Protection Paper 51).
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the most sustainable approach.
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