Biology, Life Cycle and Damage Potential of Scutellera nobilis (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Scutellaridae) on Jatropha curcas L. in Jammu (J&K), India

A native species of Mexico and tropical America, Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) is a perennial, multipurpose and drought resistant species, which is gaining importance commercially as a bio-diesel plant and is being intensively advocated for development of wastelands and dry lands throughout India. Contrary to the popular belief that toxicity of Jatropha curcas is sufficient deterrent for insects, several insect groups have overcome this barrier. Studies undertaken in Jammu revealed that Scutellera nobilis (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Scutellaridae) causes extensive damage to Jatropha plantations. Various aspects of biology, life cycle and ecology of Scutellera nobilis were studied at Jammu, which revealed that the pest population remains abundant from April till November in the study area and the total life cycle of the pest lasts for about 30 - 36 days. This data can be used to keep the pest population in check, thereby, preventing the loss to plantation and to the economy on the whole. Being sap suckers, they feed upon all plant parts likely, but growing shoots and developing fruit are preferred resulting in the production of malformed and hollowed seeds. The feeding also leads to necrosis of the leaves and premature leaf fall. The present paper records first ever report on the biology and life cycle of Scutellera nobilis from Jammu region, which is an aim to design preventive measures against this pest to save the Jatropha plantations from being degraded.