Biology and Host Preference of Odoiporus longicollis Oliver, (Banana pseudostem weevil)

Banana, one of the oldest fruits known to mankind, is worlds fourth most important food crop after rice, wheat and maize. Bananas and plantains are cultivated over 100 countries throughout the tropical and sub-tropical regions to an area of 4.953 million hectares with an annual production of around 101.993 million tonnes. India ranks 1st with a total production of 24.869 million tonnes from an area of 0.722 million hectares, however the production is severely affected due to the infestation by a spectrum of insect pests at various stages of the crop. Odoiporous longicollis Oliver, commonly known as banana pseudo stem weevil (BPW), is the major pest of banana, causing 10-90 % yield loss. Infestation by BPW, a pest originated from South and South East Asia, is a growing constraint in banana cultivation. Management of this noxious pest is widely relied upon synthetic chemicals, but a detailed study regarding the biology of O. longicollis will be helpful for making simulation models to forecast pest incidence, and to prepare for its management. The current study focuses on the biology and host preference of BPW.