Dear Dr. Deoraj Lalchan,

 
The Batrachedra nucifera also called as inflorescence caterpillar (in fact two species are noticed) has been reported from India and adjoining courntries on coconut. Occasionally it causes economic damage by feeding on the male flowers.  But male flowers are produced in abundance and they drop of soon.  Some times the female buttons are also affected.  A controlled spay of the inflorescences with carbaryl or any recommended local pesticide will help in controlling this pest.  However, the use of pesticide should not hamper the honey bee activity and pollination.  If you are resorting to assisted pollination after emasculation then to collect pollen may be a problem. As it is well known the male flowers come to anthesis early and female flower is receptive only for a brief period. So avoid spray during the active phase of female flower. With one round of spray the pest can be easily be controlled. Its occurrence is sporadic.  In our research farm in Kerala, India, we used to get this problem once in a few years and we used to spray and manage well.

Hope this information will be useful.  I am sure it is not such a serous pest in this part of the world. We rate it as an occasional minor pest of coconut. If you need any further clarifiations pls write to me.

With regards,

Dr. Vidyasagar, P.S.P.V.

Hyderabad, India
--- On Tue, 4/15/08, ssspicky <ssspicky@...> wrote:

From: ssspicky <ssspicky@...>
Subject: [RPWgroup] Information on Batrachedra nuciferae Hodges
To: RPWgroup@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2008, 10:05 PM

Dear Colleagues,
The Coconut moth Batrachedra nuciferae Hodges (Lepidoptera:
Coleophoridae) is a recent introduction in Trinidad. It was detected
in March 2006. I would like to get information on host range, economic
impact and the management of this pest.
Kind regards,
Deoraj Lalchan-Vine