Pollu Beetle

Larvae  feeds into irregular holes .

On mature leaves, the beetle scrapes the green matter leaving the layer of upper epidermis.

The adults feed on tender shoots, spikes and berries.

The infested shoots and spikes turn black and drop.

The grub on emergence bore into the berries, feed on the internal contents and make them hollow.

The infested berries turn yellow initially and then black and crumble when pressed.

The pest population is more severe in shaded areas.

During the period from January to April the adults do not breed but remain in the field feeding on older leaves.