Unmasking the Gujhia weevil Tanymecus indicus Faust: A survey of its impact on safflower in Telangana's Tandur region

A roving survey was conducted on the emergence and impact of the Gujhia weevil (Tanymecus indicus Faust) on safflower cultivation in Telangana's Vikarabad district. Traditionally a wheat pest, its recent appearance in safflower fields in the Tandur region prompted this roving survey during Rabi 2024 across Basheerabad, Tandur and Pudur mandals. The incidence of damage, characterized by cut seedlings and damaged leaves, was recorded highest in Tandur mandal (up to 89.06% in the 2nd fortnight of October), followed by Basheerabad (87.67%), while Pudur consistently showed lower damage around 60%. The findings highlight the significant threat posed by the Gujhia weevil to safflower in this region, particularly in early sown crops, underscoring the urgent need for targeted pest management strategies.