Release of exotic parasitoids, Anagyrus lopezi in Puducherry for classical biological control of cassava mealybug

Release of exotic parasitoids, Anagyrus lopezi in Puducherry for classical biological control of cassava mealybug

8th July 2023, Santhai Pudukuppam, Puducherry

In order to manage the spread of dreadful invasive pest, cassava mealybug (CMB), Phenacoccus manihoti in Puducherry union territory. ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (ATMA), Perunthalaivar Kamaraj Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Puducherry has organized ‘a first of its kind field release of parasitoids Anagyrus lopezi’in Puducherry union territory at Santhai Pudukuppamvillage today.

Anagyrus-lopezi-Puducherry-classical-biological-01.jpg  Anagyrus-lopezi-Puducherry-classical-biological-02.jpg

Shri. C. Djeacoumar, Minister of Agriculture, Government of Puducherry released the parasitoids in the cassava mealybug-infested fields.

Dr S.N. Sushil, Director, ICAR- NBAIR, Bengaluru delivered the keynote address in the event.

More than 150 tapioca-growing farmers in the region participated in this programme. Several thousands of parasitoids were distributed to the farmers for cassava mealybug control in their fields. ICAR- NBAIR scientists, officials from PKKVK and Agricultural Department of Puducherry were also present in the meeting.

(Source: ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru)

×