Tyvek Cleansteam Bags,Steam Sterilizable Bags ,Ultraclean Breathe Bags AUSTAR Goup , https://www.hansencleanroom.com
Heliothis
Chili, also known as *Heliothis virescens* or *Heliothis assulta* Guenee, belongs to the order Lepidoptera and family Noctuidae. These pests are commonly referred to as tobacco budworms or corn earworms, depending on the region and host plant they infest. The larvae of this species are highly destructive, feeding on a wide range of crops, including but not limited to tobacco, peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes from the Solanaceae family. They can also damage corn, sorghum, sunflower, and even peas, cabbage, pumpkins, and cotton.
The primary threat comes from the larvae, which feed on flowers and fruits, causing significant damage. When infesting chili (sweet pepper), the larvae burrow into the fruit, consuming both the skin and inner placenta. Their feeding activity results in silk webbing, excessive frass, and ultimately makes the fruit inedible. This behavior severely impacts crop yield and quality, especially in commercial farming.
In terms of appearance, adult tobacco budworms are medium-sized brown moths, with a body length ranging from 14 to 18 mm and wings measuring 27 to 35 mm. The forewings feature distinct kidney-shaped patterns, ring patterns, and clear horizontal lines. Larvae display a wide range of colors, including green, gray-brown, and green-brown. Mature larvae are typically green-brown, reaching up to 40 mm in length, with a smooth body surface and white dotted lines along their backs. Each segment has small knob-like protrusions and black short hairs on top.
The *H. assulta* is similar in appearance to the cotton bollworm, but there are key differences. Adult *H. assulta* have a yellowish body color, with clearer wing patterns. A distinctive brown-black line runs along the inner edge of the hind wing, and the inner side of the wing is slightly concave. The eggs are slightly flattened, with long and short longitudinal ridges forming a double-row pattern. Egg holes are clearly visible.
In terms of life habits, *H. assulta* completes two generations per year in North China, overwintering in the soil as pupae. In South China, it can have up to five generations annually, with adults overwintering in the soil. Adults emerge at night, laying eggs on the middle and upper leaves near veins during early stages, and later on fruits. They are attracted to wilted poplar branches, molasses, and show weak phototaxis. The larvae can play dead when disturbed and may enter fruits for feeding. Natural enemies include Trichogramma wasps, ladybugs, spiders, and certain predatory beetles.
Control methods include winter plowing to destroy overwintering populations, especially in heavily infested areas. During the egg-laying period, farmers can manually collect and destroy damaged plants, or use sweet corn to trap eggs and then eliminate larvae. Spraying 0.2% oxalic acid in small areas can also help attract moths for spawning. Additionally, spraying 1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate on tomato plants during adult mating periods can reduce bollworm infestation, particularly in sweet pepper fields.
Adults can be trapped using poplar branch lures or blacklight traps. For chemical control, biological agents such as *Bacillus thuringiensis* (Bt) or viruses like WHA-273 are recommended before the third instar stage. If necessary, synthetic insecticides like cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos, or lambda-cyhalothrin can be used, following proper application rates and rotating chemicals to prevent resistance. Regular field monitoring is essential to determine the right timing and dosage for effective pest management.