The genus Cinnamomum

Pests and Diseases of Cinnamon and Cassia 245
Figure 10.3 Tender leaf of cinnamon damaged by leaf miner (Conopomorpha civica), later stage of damage.
The larvae are pale green and the larval period lasts for ten days. Pupation occurs in a
silken cocoon within the webbed leaves. The pupal period lasts for six to seven days
(Singh et al., 1978). Larvae are parasitised by Goniozus sp. (Braconidae) at south
Andamans, India (Bhumannavar, 1991).
Chafer beetle (Popillia complanata)
The chafer beetle feeds on tender leaves of cinnamon in India (Fig. 10.4). They are
abundant in the field during the monsoon season (July–August). Adults are brown
with a metallic green head and thorax and measure 15 mm 6 mm in size. The
adults lay eggs near the root zone and the incubation period lasts for five days.
Newly emerged grubs are creamy white and measure 2.5 mm in length. Grubs also
feed on cinnamon roots and the grub period lasts for ten days. Pupation takes place
in the soil in earthen cocoons and the pupal period lasts for 15 days (Singh et al.,
1978).