Contarinia icardiflores

Why in News?

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