Contarinia icardiflores

Scientists at ICAR-DFR Pune have discovered Contarinia icardiflores, a new blossom midge pest damaging jasmine crops in India, affecting yields and farmer incomes.

Contarinia icardiflores
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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

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Contarinia icardiflores FAQs

Q1. What is Contarinia icardiflores?+

Q2. In whose honour has Contarinia icardiflores been named?+

Q3. What is the duration of the life cycle of Contarinia icardiflores?+

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