Pod Borer
Podborer (Maruca sp.) is considered as one of the most destructive pest of beans; it is commonly found in the field by observing damaged flowers and leaves tied together by the web produced by the larva. The pest proliferates year round both in wet and dry season.
What are the symptoms
On flowers, larvae bore inside and feed on reproductive parts of the flowers resulting in the shedding of bud and reduction in pod production.
On pods, small darkened entry holes can be observed due to larval feeding.
Impact to the crop
Recorded yield loss was 33-50% due to direct feeding and a decrease in the quality of yield.
How to control
√ Manual removal of flowers showing signs of webbing
√ utilization of natural enemies and other biological agents like Bacillus thuringiensis
√ Application of recommended insecticides
Source: Pacific Pests and Pathogens. 2017. Bean pod borer (037). Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. Retrieved from https://www.pestnet.org/fact_sheets/bean_pod_borer_037.htm