7th October 2022, Nagathihalli, Mandya
The coconut plantations in South India are under increased threat due to successive entry of four invasive whiteflies viz., rugose spiraling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus, Bondar’s nesting whitefly, Paraleyrodes bondari and nesting whitefly, Paraleyrodes minei and palm infesting whitefly, Aleurotrachelus atratus within in a span of five years. Drought appears to favour outbreak of these whitefly populations.
ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Resources, Bengaluru is proactively reporting the invasive insect pests and development of biocontrol technologies. The natural parasitism of the aphelinid parasitoid wasps, Encarsia guadeloupae on rugose spiralling whiteflies and Encarsia cubensis on palm infesting whiteflies were identified and recommended both under conservation and as a applied biocontrol strategies to the farmers. The Institute has validated the biocontrol potential of an entomopathogenic fungus, Isaria fumosorosea (ICAR-NBAIR strain Pfu-5) against these invasive whiteflies and conducting regular training, awareness and demonstration programme on augmentation and conservation of these natural enemies in collaboration with other stakeholders.
In this series, ICAR - NBAIR conducted farmers training-cum-demonstration on biocontrol strategies for management of invasive whiteflies in coconut at Nagathihalli, Mandya, Karnataka in collaboration with Department of Horticulture, Mandya and Horticulture Farmer Producer Company, Nagathihalli today.
Dr. S.N. Sushil, Director, ICAR-NBAIR, in his address to the farmers briefed about the importance of conservation and applied biological control for tackling these invasive whiteflies in coconut.
Scientists and officials from Coconut Development Board, Central Integrated Pest Management Centre, ICAR-NBAIR and Department of Horticulture, Mandya District participated in the event.
Parasitoides and Entomopathogenic fungal formulations were also distributed among the farmers.
Around 100 farmers including the board members of Nagathihalli Horticulture farmers producing organization (FPO) attended the programme.
A field demonstration on the method of conservation, production and release of the parasitoid wasps and Isaria fumosorosea was also conducted and explained to the farmers.
(Source: ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Resources, Bengaluru)
Like on Facebook
Subscribe on Youtube
Follow on X X
Like on instagram