Infestation of Mulberry Leaves by LEAF Roller/Webber- (Diaphania pulverulentalis) Hampson and (Glyphodes pyloalis) Walker and Its Management Strategies

The mulberry is a perennial, fast growing plant mainly cultivated worldwide for rearing of mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori. The B. mori which is a monophagous insect feeds only on mulberry leaves for its proper growth and development. The mulberry plant during its growth is susceptible to various diseases viz., leaf spot, powdery mildew, leaf rust etc. and pests viz., leaf roller, Bihar hairy caterpillar, mealy bugs etc. in the field which deteriorates its leaf quality and quantity. Among these pests, defoliators attain significant importance as they cause damage up to 12-25% thereby making mulberry leaves unfit for silkworm rearing. The leaf rollers are major pests currently causing devastation to mulberry plants both in India and other parts of the world. Thus, in this review an attempt has been made regarding new insights about the leaf roller pests and devise more sustainable management of this pest through integrated pest management (IPM) strategy to control it, so that the overall cocoon crop production will be enhanced worldwide.