damages caused to oil palm
Two major areas that have been reported to have a highest outbreak of bagworm is in the Central Perak in Northern Peninsular Malaysia and around the town of Segamat in Johor in Southern Peninsular of Malaysia. Although efforts have been made to control the pest, the problem is not yet under control.
destruction of leaves
Soon after hatching, the bagworm will start to create its own protective case using silk and plant debris from it surrounding. From there, it will remain inside the bag, carrying it everywhere and feed by protruding the mouthparts to consume leaves. It will continue to cause further destruction as it devour the leaf laminar, leaving only the spine of the leaves. This will destroy the plant capabilities of photosynthesis as it have lost a large amount of leaves.
loss of yield
Bagworm attack can lead to loss of up to 44% of yield as a result of the consumption of leaf laminar. This may have been contributed by the loss of female flower that is needed for production of fruit bunch. Without a fertilized female flower, there will be no fruits on oil palm trees and decrease yield for that particular season.