Pomegranate orchards face a serious threat during the monsoon months from a pest known as the fruit borer moth, whose larvae tunnel straight into the fruit and hollow it out from within, putting both a farmer's effort and earnings at risk. According to agriculture expert Bajrang Singh, female moths lay their eggs on pomegranate flower buds and young fruit, and once the larvae hatch, they bore holes into the fruit and start feeding on the pulp and seeds inside. If the infestation isn't controlled in time, the fruit begins to rot, hurting both the yield and the quality of the crop.
A Small Hole On The Fruit Is The First Warning Sign
Spotting a fruit borer moth attack isn't difficult once farmers know what to look for. An affected fruit typically shows a tiny hole on its surface, and insect droppings can often be seen sticking around that hole. Once the larva makes its way inside, it keeps feeding on the pulp and seeds, causing the fruit to deteriorate from the inside out. As fungal and bacterial infections take hold in the damaged tissue, the fruit eventually rots completely, and in many cases it drops from the tree before it has even ripened.
Keep Watch From Flowering Right Through To Fruit Formation
Close monitoring is essential in pomegranate orchards from the moment flowering begins until the fruit reaches its early growth stage. Farmers are advised to inspect their plants and fruit closely several times a week. Any fruit showing signs of holes or rot should be plucked immediately and destroyed well away from the orchard so the infestation doesn't spread further. Infected fruit that has already fallen beneath the tree shouldn't be left lying around either, since it can also become a source of infection. Keeping the orchard clean, controlling weeds and removing affected fruit promptly are three habits that together go a long way in preventing the pest from spreading.
Spray Insecticide Only On A Clear Day
When the infestation becomes visibly severe, farmers can turn to insecticides for protection. Bajrang Singh recommends spraying imidacloprid at a rate of one millilitre per three litres of water, and only on a day with clear weather, to protect plants and fruit. He cautioned, however, that no single pesticide works equally well against every pest, so farmers should check the current recommendation for this specific pest on pomegranate and confirm the dosage printed on the label before buying any product.
Neem-Based Methods Can Also Cut Down The Infestation
Farmers who want to minimise their reliance on chemical pesticides have the option of biological and integrated pest management instead. Neem-based products can be applied in the orchard in prescribed quantities, while an extract prepared from neem leaves or seeds can also help bring the pest under control at an early stage. Beyond that, using beneficial insects that destroy the moth's eggs is another reliable method of biological control.
Covering Fruit With A Bag Works As A Physical Barrier
Bagging the fruit, essentially covering it with a protective sleeve, is another effective way to guard against the moth. Once a fruit has grown to a reasonable size, wrapping it in a breathable paper or cloth bag significantly lowers the chances of the moth laying eggs on it. Farmers should also keep an eye on adult moths present in the orchard, using methods such as light traps to monitor and control them. Any infected fruit spotted in the orchard should be removed right away so the problem doesn't spread further.
Combine Several Methods For A Healthy Harvest
Bajrang Singh notes that farmers shouldn't depend solely on chemical pesticides to get better yield and quality from their pomegranate crop. Keeping the orchard clean, monitoring it regularly, removing infected fruit on time, bagging fruit, using neem-based biological measures and deploying beneficial insects when needed all work best when combined together. Alongside this, giving plants balanced nutrition, timely irrigation and pruning at the right time are just as important for a healthy pomegranate harvest.
