Capsule Borer (Helicoverpa armigera)

Nature of Damage: During early stages of crop growth, it damages leaves and shoot apices. Then it is often noticed on capitula at later stage. Typical symptoms are perforated leaves and involucral bracts, partially or completely eaten capitula. Dried black excreted pellets are seen on the infested parts and the larvae is seen on the holes of the capsule
Cultural Control: Avoid chickpea as intercrop. Hand pick and destroy caterpillars.
Chemical Control: Spray dimethoate (0.07%) or endosulfan (0.07%) at the rate of 500 litres of spray mixture per ha.