Lepidopteran and Dipteran Pests of Mulberry and their Management (Morus sp.)

Mulberry (Morus sp.) is subject to a variety of insect and non-insect pests, with over 200 species identified. These pests are classified into leaf-eating, sap-feeding, stem-boring, and root-feeding varieties. The Bihar hairy caterpillar (Spilosoma obliqua) and the tussock caterpillar (Euproctis fraterna) are lepidopteran pests that defoliate foliage, causing substantial damage. The wasp moth (Ammata passalis) and cutworm (Spodoptera litura) also cause leaf damage and defoliation. The mulberry leaf roller (Diaphania pulverulentalis) compromises leaf integrity via webbing and rolling. Dipteran pests include the shoot gall midge (Diplosis mori), numerous scale insects, mealy bugs (Meconellicoccus hirsutus), spiralling white flies (Aleurodecus dispersus), leaf hoppers (Empoasca flavescens), and thrips (Pseudodendrothrips mori), all of which have an impact on plant health and production. To mitigate these, management options include physical, biological, and chemical measures are used.