Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet Edition

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Bele (Abelmoschus) shoot borer (023)

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Photo 1. Caterpillar of Earias vittella in the stem of bele. Note it is brown with orange spots.

Photo 2. Stem of bele split open to show a caterpillar of Earias vittella, and the frass that it pushes out through the entrance hole.

Photo 3. Damage to okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) by the bele shoot borer, Earias vittella.

Photo 4. Wilt of bele caused by Earias vittella.

Photo 5. Wilt of bele caused by Earias vittella.

Photo 6. Hole in the stem of bele made by Earias vittella (beneath the thumb).

Photo 7. Adult bele shoot borer, Erias vitella.

Summary

• Worldwide distribution. On bele (aibika, sliperi kabis, island cabbage, Abelmoschus manihot), okra, ornamental Hibiscus, and tomato.
• Eggs laid singly; larvae hatch, bore into young stems and cause wilts.
• Natural enemies: lacewings, lady beetles, parasitoid wasps.
• Cultural control: grow crops during wet season when populations are lower; prune stems several cms below entry holes; after last harvest, pull out and burn the plants.
• Chemical control: PDPs (with soap): chilli, derris, pyrethrum, or neem; use biopesticides, e.g., Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), or spinosad, but best to spray young larvae; use synthetic pyrethroids, but more likely to kill natural enemies.

Common Name

Bele shoot borer, spotted bollworm, spiny bollworm

Scientific Name

Earias vittella

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