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Heliothis
Chili, also known as *Heliothis virescens* or *Heliothis assulta* Guenee, is a species of moth belonging to the order Lepidoptera and family Noctuidae. These pests are particularly damaging to various crops, especially those in the Solanaceae family such as tobacco, peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes. However, their host range extends beyond these, including corn, sorghum, sunflower, and even peas, cabbage, pumpkins, and cotton.
The larvae of this pest are omnivorous and pose a serious threat to crops. They feed on flowers, fruits, and leaves, causing significant damage. In the case of chili peppers, the larvae burrow into the fruit, feeding on the skin and inner tissues, while leaving behind silk and excrement, making the fruit unmarketable and unsuitable for consumption.
Morphologically, adult tobacco budworms are medium-sized brown moths with a body length of 14 to 18 mm and wings measuring 27 to 35 mm. The forewings have distinct kidney-shaped patterns, ring-like markings, and clear horizontal lines. The larvae exhibit a wide range of colors, from green to gray-brown, with mature individuals typically being greenish-brown and reaching up to 40 mm in length. Their bodies are smooth, with white dots along the back and small, knob-like protrusions covered in short black hairs.
The *H. assulta* is similar in appearance to the cotton bollworm, but it can be distinguished by its yellowish adult coloration and clearer wing patterns. The hind wings feature a dark brown line on the inner edge, which curves slightly inward. The eggs are slightly flattened, with long and short longitudinal ridges forming a double-row pattern, and they have visible egg holes.
In terms of behavior, the tobacco budworm has two generations per year in northern China, where it overwinters in the soil. In southern regions, it may complete up to five generations annually. Adults are active at night, laying eggs on the upper and middle parts of leaves or directly on fruits. They are attracted to wilted poplar branches, molasses, and show weak phototaxis. Larvae can play dead when disturbed and are capable of entering fruits for feeding.
Natural predators include Trichogramma wasps, beetles, grasshoppers, ladybugs, and spiders, which help control populations naturally.
Control measures include winter plowing to destroy overwintering insects, removing eggs through manual collection or using traps, and chemical interventions when necessary. For example, spraying 0.2% oxalic acid can attract moths for egg-laying, while potassium dihydrogen phosphate can reduce moth activity during the spawning period. Blacklight traps and poplar branch lures are also effective for capturing adults.
Chemical control involves the use of biological agents like *Bacillus thuringiensis* (Bt), *Streptomyces* species, and viruses, as well as synthetic insecticides such as cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos, and emulsions of chrysanthemum oil. Spraying should be done based on field surveys, targeting larvae before the third instar stage. Recommended concentrations vary depending on the product, with options including 2.5% Kung Fu EC, 2.5% Uranus EC, and 10% Chrysanthemum EC, applied at different dilutions.
Proper monitoring and integrated pest management strategies are essential to minimize crop losses and reduce environmental impact.