MANAGEMENT OF THE FLAT-HEADED BORER, SPHENOPTERA-DADKHANI OBENBERGER ON PEACH IN INDIA

In management studies on the flat-headed borer, Sphenoptera dadkhani O benberger (Buprestidae: Coleoptera) on peach, spraying of lindane 20 E C at 500 g a.i./ha in June and September was most effective in control ling the borer. With a mild level of pruning, the reduction in the car ryover of the borer population was 46.6% (branches destroyed/burnt) an d 35.5% (branches left in the orchard). A reduction of 61.1% was recor ded when severely pruned branches were destroyed, whereas this reducti on was only 43.2% when pruned branches were left in the orchard. Integ ration of severe pruning of infested trees, followed by their destruct ion and application of recommended doses of farmyard manure and NPK fe rtilizers in January followed by three sprayings of lindane (500 g a.i ./ha), at the times of adult emergence in April, June and September mo st effectively managed the borer. Integration of these practices resul ted in up to 91.5% control of the borer.