axonomic Identification of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) Leaf Miner in Sri Lanka
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Date
2021
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Publisher
Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
Cinnamon leaf miner is a minor pest in cinnamon cultivations of Sri Lanka, but causes severe losses
in cinnamon nurseries resulting considerable expenditure for its management. Present study was
undertaken to identify the larval taxonomy and adult morphology of cinnamon leaf miner, as the first
comprehensive research in Sri Lanka. The study was conducted at National Cinnamon Research and
Training Center of Sri Lanka. Insects reared both under field and laboratory conditions were observed
under the microscope. Published taxonomic keys were referred to identify the larva and external
morphology of the adult was compared with the previous reports of the experts. The initial instars of
the larva were transparent, whitish in colour and it was changed to a glittering red towards the
pupation. Larva was characterized by the strong and sclerotized mandibles which enable it to
vigorously devour plant tissues. Antennae were short, three segmented and located towards the front
of the head. Unequal, five stemmata were located laterally and posteriorly to the antennae. Four
segmented strong thoracic legs ended with a claw. Abdomen consisted of 8 segments while pseudo
legs were located on the iii, iv, v and x abdominal segments. Equal crochets were in a complete
circle. The larva made an irregular shaped tunnel inside the immature leaf of cinnamon and continued
to grow up to a length of 5mm inside the mine before pupating in an external cocoon of 6mm. The
adult was a greyish moth of 3 to 5mm in length with a wingspan of 7 to 9mm. Wings are entire,
scaled, lack stigma on front wing between C and R. Hind wings are fringed. Filiform antenna not
knobbed at the tip with more than 41 segments longer than forewings. Proboscis coiled. Tibial spurs
are conspicuous. Basal segment of antennae enlarged forming an eye cap. Present study confirmed
that the Cinnamon leaf miner belongs to the Acrocercops spp. under Order Lepidoptera, Family
Gracillariidae and Subfamily Gracillariinae. This study laid foundation to further studies on biology
and management strategies of Cinnamon leaf miner in Sri Lanka.
Keywords: Acrocercops spp.; Cinnamon zeylanicum; Gracillariidae; Taxonomy
Description
Keywords
Agriculture, Crop Production, Miner industry, Cinnamon