5. Whitegrub: Holotrichia consanguinea (Melolonthidae: Coleoptera)
Distribution and status: Throughout India
Host range: Sorghum, maize, pearl millet, chillies, bhendi and brinjal

Drying of crown, preceded by yellowing and wilting of leaves. Affected canes come off easily when pulled. Cause extensive damage to roots.  Grub ‘C’ shaped, whitish yellow in colour found close to the base of the clump. Adults are dark brown and attracted to neem tree in monsoon season

Management

• Grow resistant cultivars like Co 6304, Co 1158, Co 5510
• Set up light trap to attract and destroy the adults
• Provide adequate irrigation
• Crop rotation in endemic areas
• Collect and destroy the adult beetles – neem, Ailanthus and Acacia