Uzi Fly Infestation Severity in Muga Seed Cocoons,  Antheraea Assamensis Helfer and Crop Loss During  Chotua Crop in Assam

N K Goswami; P. Nath; Dr. D. Saharia

Volume : III, Issue : X, October - 2013

Uzi Fly Infestation Severity in Muga Seed Cocoons, Antheraea Assamensis Helfer and Crop Loss During Chotua Crop in Assam

N K Goswami, P. Nath, Dr. D. Saharia

Abstract :

The uzifly, Exorista sorbillans (Diptera: Tachinidae), a major and serious endo–larval parasitoid of Muga silkworm Antheraea assamensis Helfer causing a considerable damage to Silkworm crop particularly during November–April. The fly lays eggs on the integument of the worms in the dorsal and dorso–lateral side. After hatching from the eggs, the maggots of the fly penetrate into the larval body and feed on the tissue of the worm. The mature maggots come out of the larvae/pupae and undergo pupation in the reå field or grainage hall. The uzi infested muga silkworm dies during larval or pupal stage and cause great lose in the yield of cocoons continuously due to its infestation. The peak of uzi fly infestation is more in Chotua crop. The availability of silkworm crops through out the year enables perpetuation and establishment of the uzi fly in Muga growing areas. This paper attempts to highlight the severity of uzi fly infestation and crop loss due to uzifly infestation during Chotua crop of Muga.