Prelims: Current events of national and international importance
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Scientists at ICAR-DFR Pune have recently discovered that Contarinia icardiflores, a new blossom midge pest damaging jasmine crops in India, affecting yields and farmer incomes.
- It is a newly discovered species of blossom midge (tiny fly) that has been identified as a serious pest affecting jasmine crops in India.
- Discovered by - Scientists at the ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research (ICAR-DFR), Pune.
- Its specific epithet icardiflores honors the institute’s contribution to floriculture research.
- Genus - Blossom midges of the Contarinia genus are known pests in many parts of the world that attack floral buds, blossoms or inflorescences of horticultural and agricultural crops.
- Size - The insect is very small (~1.5–2 mm), making early detection difficult.
- Impact - It infests flower buds of Jasminum sambac (Arabian jasmine), a crop of significant commercial value for perfume, garland and ornamental industries in India.
- The larvae feed inside the buds, causing them to swell, discolour, and rot before blossoming, leading to substantial yield and economic losses for jasmine growers.
- It completes its life cycle rapidly in about 16–21 days, contributing to its potential as a recurring pest outbreak.
- Morphology - Although morphologically similar to Contarinia maculipennis (another jasmine pest), C. icardiflores is genetically distinct, confirmed by scientists.
- The use of molecular tools (such as sequencing of mitochondrial COI gene regions) has made rapid and accurate identification possible crucial for monitoring and management strategies.
- Management strategies - It highlights an emerging pest threat to jasmine cultivation in states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, where jasmine contributes to both rural livelihoods and traditional industries.
- Understanding the biology and rapid life cycle of C. icardiflores is important for developing eco-friendly pest management strategies tailored to protect jasmine growers.
Reference
Nature | Contarinia icardiflores
