First Record of Vespa basalis Attacked on Pear (Pyrus communis) Fruits in Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Wasps are integral to maintaining ecological balance. However, their specific impact as fruit pests in India has not been well documented. This study aimed to investigate the feeding behaviour of Vespa basalis (Black bellied hornet) on ripe pears (Pyrus communis) through a field survey conducted in the village of Shahpur in the Kangra district, a mid hill region of Himachal Pradesh, India, during the pear harvest in August 2025. Researchers randomly selected 50 ripe fruits of pears from five trees and observed them at three distinct time intervals: 09:00-11:00 h, 12:00-14:00 h and 15:00-17:00 h. Feeding indicators, such as puncture marks and tissue scraping, were photographed. The study revealed significant variations in feeding intensity throughout the day, with 24% of the fruits exhibiting damage at midday (12:00-14:00 h), (χ² = 12.88, df = 2, p = .0016) compared to 2% in the morning (09:00-11:00 h) and 6% in the evening (15:00-17:00 h). Observations of two to four wasps per fruit suggests that chemical signals may influence resource utilization. A significant observation was that the wasps initially targeted the ripest portion of the fruit for feeding. As the number of wasps increased and their feeding activity intensified, substantial damage to the fruit ensued. This damage compromises fruit integrity, accelerates microbial decay, and significantly reduces market value, despite its limited occurrence. This study provides the first scientific evidence that V. basalis acts as a direct pest of ripe pears, thereby expanding its ecological role beyond predation. The findings underscore the importance of integrated orchard management strategies, such as attractant-based trapping, sanitation, protective coverings, and timely harvesting, to protect fruit quality and reduce economic losses without over-relying on chemical control.