Diagnostic Field visit – KVK Tiruppur on 22.04.2023
Diagnostic Field visit on pest and disease incidence in coconut
Coconut is the major and stable crop in Tiruppur district occupying an area of 65000 ha in this distict. Udumalai, Madathukulam, Gudimangalam, Dharapuram, Palladam and Pongalur blocks are having the major area under coconut cultivation. During this prevailing summer season, incidence of rugose white fly, black headed caterpillar and tanjore wilt are widely seen in coconut farms of Tiruppur district. As per the instruction of the Director (Agriculture), Chennai, Asst. Director of Agriculture (Plant Protection) from the Directorate of Agriculture made a visit to Tiruppur district to monitor the coconut farms.
Diagnostic visit in coconut farms
A team of five members comprising Th.S.Shanmugasundaram, Deputy Director of Agriculture (Plant Protection), Directorate of Agriculture, Chennai, Dr.M.Elayarajan, Programme Co-ordinator, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tiruppur, Th.M.Mariappan, Joint Director of Agriculture, Tiruppur, Th.Sureshraja, Assitant Director of Horticulture and Th.S.Yuvaraja, Agrl. Officer (Quality control) made a diagnostic visit to Uthukuli, Palladam, Gudimangalam, Udumalai and Madathukulam along with the block level agriculture and horticulture field level workers.
Details of diagnostic visit
In this visit, Sundakkapalayam village in Uthukuli block, Paruvai village in Palladam block, Iluppanagaram in Gudimangalam block, Chinnaveeran patti in Udumalpet block and Thoongavi village in Madathukulam block were visited for monitoring the pest and disease incidence in coconut farms. From this diagnostic visit, rugose white fly incidence was widely observed. Due to improper maintenance of certain coconut farms, boron deficiency was seen. To control rugose white fly, it was recommended to use yellow colored polythene sheets (5’L x 1.5’B) as sticky traps @ 8 per acre. Also, spraying water with high speed using power sprayer on rugose white fly affected tree fronds will help to control the pest. It was suggested to tie the fronds having Encarcia parasitic wasp with the affected fronds @ 10 fronds per acre. This parasitic wasp is available at Coconut Research Station, Aliyar nagar. Crysoperla predeator eggs was recommended @ 400 / acre by tying with the affected fronds. The usage of pesticides are to be avoided while using these biocontrol agents.
Original link: https://atari-hyderabad.icar.gov.in/atarihyderabad/
