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Advisory on Stem borer March 26-Apr 1 2015
Two species of stem borer, Celosterna scabrator and Stromatium barbatum were noticed
from vineyards in Sangli, Solapur, Latur, Usmanabad, Sangli and Satana (Nashik) grape
growing regions. Celosterna scabrator grubs remove frass from stem and the leaves of infested
vines shows characteristic interveinal chlorosis (Photo 1). However, Stromatium barbatum grubs
do not remove frass and convert the wood into fine powder (Photo 2). Stromatium barbatum
infestation is seen more on stressed vines which have dead wood formation.
Adult stage
Damage symptoms
Photo 1. Celosterna scabrator removes frass from stem
Adult stage Damage symptoms
Photo 2. Stromatium barbatum does not
remove frass from stem
Both species of stem borer are under
active feeding stage (grub) of its life cycle
during this period. Those farmers who are
uprooting the old vineyards for fresh
planting, should ensure that the woods are
disposed off by burning before rainy season.
Otherwise, during rainy season the adults of
stem borer will lay eggs and spread
infestation to other vineyards. Presently, no
control measure can be initiated against
Stromatium barbatum, however, for the
control of Celosterna scabrator, a biological
named Metarhizium anisopliae @ 100 ml/L
water can be injected into galleries made by
Celosterna scabrator grubs.