New Jasmine Blossom Midge Discovered in India

In India, a new pest species, Contarentinia icardiflores sp.nov., has been identified to infest jasmine flower buds, by the scientists in the ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research (ICAR-DFR) in Pune. 

The team headed by Dr. D.M. Firake gave it its name, ICAR-DFR, in commemoration of its contribution in the field of floriculture. This is a recent development that will deal with the increasing threats to the jasmine industry in India.

The New Species of Zone: Its Essentials

The Contarinia icardiflores is a member of the family Cecidomyiidae, which are gall or blossom midges, which cause harm to ornamental and food crops all over the world. It attacks Jasminum sambac, which is leading to losses of the farmers in terms of budgeting of the buds. 

Morphologically close to Contarinia maculipennis but characterized by female flagellomeres, cerci, male aedeagus and COI gene sequencing using integrative taxonomy.

What is Jasmine's Role in India?

India is on the forefront of production of jasmine, which is important in perfumery, religious practices and exports. In 2021-22 Tamil Nadu leads (180,670 tonnes), then comes Karnataka (23,880 tonnes), and Andhra Pradesh (22,240 tonnes). 

Gujarat, Assam and Madhya Pradesh also play smaller roles supplying livelihoods in the southern and western states.

Life Cycle and Damage

The 16-21 day cycle of the pest allows it to grow fast increasing infestations in jasmine buds. Larvae consume the interior of the buds, preventing the development of flowers and cutting off harvests. 

This brief generation time is also a problem with the old traditional controls that require close observation.

Identification and Research Methods

In 2009, ICAR-DFR was founded and in 2014 moved to Pune, where it leads research in floriculture with 21 AICRP centres. 

The morphology and the barcoding of the mitochondrial COI gene were used in the study to make precise distinctions. Such a diagnosis is enhanced by a new central lab opening in December 2025.

This finding raises new pest threats in floriculture, a business that employs millions. Early molecular surveillance contributes to the surveillance and environmentally friendly measures such as biopesticides. 

In the high-yield locations such as Tamil Nadu, farmers are in dire need of resistant varieties and IPM guidelines.

This biology suggests targeted interventions that can ensure farmers can get jasmine farming to be sustainable. The varietal development requires collaboration in the current AICRP workshops done by ICAR-DFR. The intensification of diagnostics will protect exports, cultural applications of jasmine throughout the country.

Also Read: What is PM Rahat Scheme? Benifits, Eligibility, How to Apply and Other Details