Destruction of Black-Headed Caterpillar (BHC), Opisina arenosella in Coconut Palms

Abstract

The black headed caterpillar (BHC) is a most important pest of coconut plantations, causing significant yield losses to the coconut growing areas and active throughout the year but usually breaks out in serious proportions during the hot months (March, April and May). The population generally subsides after the onset of heavy rains. BHC infests all the age groups of coconut palm and it is a voracious feeder of coconut leaves. BHC can be managed productively using integrated pest management strategies.