Investigations on the rubber leaf caterpillar Erinnyis ello in Bahia, Brazil. In: Theobroma v. 12 p. 85-99, 1982.

Abstract

The rubber leaf caterpillar Erinnyis ello is the most important insect pest of rubber plantations in Bahia, Brazil. A research program was initiated in 1973 to investigate its bio-ecology and to develop methods of control. Laboratory studies on the life cycle have shown that the larva and the pupa take an average of 17 and 19 days respectively to complete their development. Oviposition could not be induced in cages in the field. A 5-year investigation on the seasonal abundance of E. ello using light traps showed that the largest catches occurred from October to December, especially during refoliation of the rubber trees, when a large number of new and tender leaves was present. A black-light source, FI5T8/BLB lamp, collected eight time more adults than a day light source. F15T8/ LD lamp. Traps placed above canopy captured lhe highest number of moths. The most abundant catches occurred in absence of moonlight. Data on flight activity and sex ratio are also included. Among the insecticides tested, dusts of carbaryl and trichlorfon and emulsion of lindane and naled were the most efficient, when applied with a motorized knapsack mistblower. These experiments, however. have shown the need of more powerful application equipment to provide better coverage of the canopy . Trichlorfon was effectively applied by helicopter. A field trial carried out to evaluate the efficicncy of Bacillius thuringiensis has shown that dust and wettable powder formulations gave excellent control when applied by motorized knapsack mistblowers, while poor results were obtained in further experiments with aerial spraying.