Contarinia icardiflores Latest News
Scientists from the ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research (ICAR-DFR), Pune, recently discovered a new species of blossom midge, Contarinia icardiflores sp. nov.
About Contarinia icardiflores
- It is a new species of blossom midge.
- Blossom midges of the genus Contarinia are small insects known to be serious pests of ornamental and food crops worldwide.
- The larvae feed inside flower buds or blossoms, often causing severe yield loss in agricultural and horticultural crops.
- C. icardiflores has been named in honour of ICAR-DFR, acknowledging the institute’s contributions to floriculture research.
- It was found causing significant economic losses in jasmine cultivation, especially in some parts of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
- The pest ― about 1.5 to 2 mm in size – completes its life cycle in 16 to 21.
- Although C. icardiflores closely resembles C. maculipennis — the only other midge known to attack jasmine — it is genetically distinct.
- The findings provide essential biological insights and lay the groundwork for developing targeted and eco-friendly pest management strategies for jasmine farmers in the country.
Source: ICAR
Last updated on February, 2026
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