Discovery of Contarinia icardiflorus

Discovery of Contarinia icardiflorus

Scientists from the ICAR–Directorate of Floricultural Research (DFR), Pune have identified a new insect species, Contarinia icardiflorus, a gall midge (family Cecidomyiidae) that damages jasmine crops. The discovery highlights emerging pest threats to India’s floriculture sector and the importance of scientific surveillance.

Salient Features: The insect is extremely small (1.5–2 mm) with a rapid life cycle (16–21 days), enabling quick population growth. It primarily attacks jasmine buds (Jasminum sambac), where larvae feed on internal tissues, causing buds to wither before blooming. Though morphologically similar to Contarinia maculipennis, it has been confirmed as a distinct species through DNA barcoding and mitochondrial COI gene sequencing. It has been reported in major jasmine-growing states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.