author(s)
R Raja Rishi and R Sundararaj

abstract
Hyblaea puera commonly known as the teak defoliator causes regular defoliation and seasonal outbreaks on the mangroves of Mumbai region particularly in Airoli creek of Navi Mumbai areas and in Gorai mangrove areas. This pest is prevalent during the post monsoon period and infesting Avicennia marina severely in Airoli and Gorai mangroves of Maharashtra State. The assessment intensity level of infestation revealed that epidemic level of infestation was recorded during the year 2019. Whereas in the year 2018 the intensity level was recorded as sporadic to moderate. Considering the severity of this pest, their host specificity, to assess the pest outbreak and to study the possible management practices to control the pest in mangrove ecosystem, this study was undertaken. Using of botanical biopesticide Hy-ACT at a concentration of 1% as foliar spray can control the pest in field condition causing 95% larval mortality in 48 hr. This study also revealed the natural occurrence of Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus in the field and laboratory studies proved the confirmation of HpNPV on H. puera.