Life Cycle and Population Dynamics of Amphutukoni Muga (Cricula trifenestrata Helfer)

The study investigates the population dynamics and impact of the Cricula trifenestrata Helfer (Amphutukoni Muga) on the Som plant (Persea bombycina King.) in Jorhat district, Assam, India. Muga silk, known for its unique golden luster, is endemic to Assam's sericulture industry. However, infestations by C. trifenestrata threaten its silk production. Field observations from March 2020 to March 2021 found that the pest population peaked in January 2021, with significant leaf defoliation, particularly of terminal branches, rendering the plants unsuitable for Muga silkworm rearing. The mean infestation rate escalated from July 2020 (20.00 ± 0.00%) to January 2021 (85.00 ± 7.07%), with a corresponding increase in damage extent from 15.25 ± 2.47 pests per plant to 68.36 ± 2.42 pests per plant. Cocoon formation predominantly occurred in January, with the highest count being 21.48 ± 10.27 cocoons. This study underscores the necessity for timely management of this pest to mitigate the loss due to C. trifenestrata infestation. Understanding the relationship between pest population dynamics and meteorological factors is essential for developing integrated pest management strategies.