Jatropha, particularly Jatropha curcas, is a tropical plant valued for its seeds from which biodiesel is produced. It's also known for its rapid growth and adaptability to arid conditions. However, like many crops, it is susceptible to various pests that can significantly affect its growth and productivity. Here's a list of some common pests that affect Jatropha and management strategies to control them: Insects Jatropha Budworm (Stomopteryx subtropica) These caterpillars attack the flower buds, flowers, and developing fruits, potentially causing significant loss in seed production. Jatropha Fruit Borer (Pempelia morosalis) The larvae bore into fruits and feed on the seeds, severely affecting seed yield and quality. Jatropha Leaf Miner (Stomopteryx subsecivella) Larvae mine the leaves of Jatropha plants, causing them to dry and fall off, which can reduce photosynthesis and overall plant vigor. Jatropha Leaf Webber and Capsule Borer (Pempelia palumbella) These pests can cause damage both by webbing the leaves together and boring into capsules, reducing plant productivity. Aphids Aphids can cause damage by sucking the sap from the plant, weakening it and potentially transmitting diseases. Mealybugs These pests suck sap from the plant and excrete honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold on the leaves. Whiteflies Similar to aphids and mealybugs, whiteflies feed on plant sap and can transmit various plant viruses. Red Spider Mites They cause damage by sucking cell contents from the leaves, leading to speckled, discolored, and sometimes curled leaves. Nematodes Root-Knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) These nematodes infect the roots, causing the formation of galls that impair the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. Management Strategies Cultural Control: Regular monitoring and removal of infected plant parts can help reduce pest populations. Crop rotation and maintaining good field sanitation are also beneficial. Biological Control: Encourage or introduce natural predators and parasitoids that target specific pests, such as lady beetles for aphid control or parasitic wasps for caterpillar management. Chemical Control: Use insecticides and nematicides judiciously. It's vital to follow integrated pest management (IPM) practices to minimize environmental impact and avoid developing resistance. Mechanical Control: Physical barriers, such as nets, can protect the plants from bird and some insect pests. Effective pest management in Jatropha cultivation involves integrating these strategies in a way that balances pest control with environmental considerations. Regular monitoring and timely intervention are crucial to maintaining healthy plants and achieving optimal production levels.

1. Pests of jatropha
By
Dr. U. Pirithiraj, P.hD.
Assistant Professor (Entomology)
JSACAT
Affiliated to Tamil Nadu Agricultural University

2. Leaf webber, Pempelia morosalis, Pyralidae,
Lepidoptera
1
Dr. U. Pirithiraj, P.hD. (Entomology)
Nature/symptoms of damage
Damage to the leaves, inflorescence,
fruits and apical stem of the Jatropha
plant by making webs along with excreta
First instar larvae are tiny
Eggs are white pale
Adults are grey
This specie is known to occur in Asia

3. Scutellerid bug, Scutellera nobilis, Chrysocoris
purpureaus, Scutellaridae, Hemiptera
2
Dr. U. Pirithiraj, P.hD. (Entomology)
Scutellera nobilis
Chrysocoris purpureaus
Has a brilliant metallic coloration and a greatly enlarged scutellum
which forms a continuous shield
Nymph and adult suck the sap
Distributed in northern India

4. Eggs are laid in a characteristic
pattern in two longitudinal rows,
usually 47 - 52 eggs
Dr. U. Pirithiraj, P.hD. (Entomology)

5. Thrips, Retithrips syriacus, Thripidae, Thysanoptera
3
Dr. U. Pirithiraj, P.hD. (Entomology)
Nymphs carries fecal matters
Damages the leaves
Widespread in Africa and India

6. Red spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, Tetranichidae,
Acarina
4
Dr. U. Pirithiraj, P.hD. (Entomology)
Mites found on the underside of the leaves
Affected leaves become yellow, silvery or bronze and distorted.
Dicofol 18.5 EC @ 2 ml/l
T. urticae occurs in most parts of the world. It has been recorded from most countries in Europe, Asia, Africa,
Australasia, the Pacific and Caribbean islands, North, Central and South America.

7. Mealy bug, Ferrisia virgata, Pseudococcidae,
Hemiptera
5
Dr. U. Pirithiraj, P.hD. (Entomology)
Sucks the sap from leaves and stems, sometimes from fruits if heavily infested
and causes crinkling leaves, dry stems
A widely distributed and polyphagous pest species

8. Scales, Pulvinaria maxima, Coccidae, Hemiptera
6
Dr. U. Pirithiraj, P.hD. (Entomology)
Scales are found on twigs, shoots and leaves
The Oriental Region ( India, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand
and Vietnam

9. Ash weevil, Myllocerus spp., Curculionidae,
Coleoptera
7
Dr. U. Pirithiraj, P.hD. (Entomology)
Notching symptom in leaves

10. Flower beetle, Oxycetonia versicolor,
Cetonidae,Coleoptera
8
Dr. U. Pirithiraj, P.hD. (Entomology)
The beetles feed on buds and flower
Result in irregular feeding marks.