Mustard saw fly

Scientific name: Athalia lugens proxima Klug
Description Adult is orange coloured with black head, thorax and smoky wings. The young larvae are light green in colour but gradually turn dark and fully grown they become greenish black with five lateral stripes
Nature of damage Larva of mustard saw fly, attack young crop (seedling stage) by biting holes into leaves and may feed on all the leaves in heavy attacks. Larvae feed on leaves during mornings and evenings, remaining hidden during the day time. The pest attacks during November-December.
Control Measures: Cultural methods: Give first irrigation 3-4 weeks after sowing as it reduces the larvae population Collection and destruction of larvae in the mornings and evenings. Use of bittergourd seed oil emulsion as an antifeedant. Biological method: Perilissus cingulator  parasitises the larvae. Chemical method: Spray one litre  of malathion 50 EC or 625 ml of endosulfan  35EC or quinalphos 25EC in 150-200 litres of water /ha.