Target Crops:

Brinjal (Eggplant): A major pest of brinjal, causing significant damage to shoots and fruits. 

Tomato: Fruit borers attack tomato fruits, causing holes and rotting, making them unmarketable. 

Okra (Bhendi): Shoots and fruits are affected by borers, leading to wilting, drying, and reduced yield. 

Other Crops: While less prevalent, other crops like rice, cotton, and sugarcane can also be affected by stem borers, which share similar feeding habits. 

Damage Symptoms:

Withering and drying of terminal shoots: Shoots droop and dry up due to larval feeding inside. 

Bore holes in shoots and fruits: Larvae bore into shoots and fruits, creating holes that may be plugged with excreta. 

Shedding of flower buds: Flower buds are attacked, leading to shedding. 

Withering and drying of leaves: Larvae can bore into petioles and midribs, causing leaves to wither and drop off. 

Deformed and unfit fruits: Infested fruits become deformed, develop holes, and may become unfit for consumption. 

Early ripening of attacked fruits: Fruits may ripen prematurely due to feeding damage.