Coconut Rugose Spiralling Whitefly spreading in South India
Spiralling whitefly + associated sooty mould reported on ~30% of surveyed coconut plantations. Reduces photosynthesis; yield loss ~15% if unmanaged.
Full IPM management advisory (click to expand)
1. This pest is largely controlled by natural enemies — DO NOT spray broad-spectrum insecticides. They kill Encarsia guadeloupae parasitoid (Nature's control). 2. Wash affected fronds with jet water + soap (1%) to remove sooty mould — restores photosynthesis. 3. Yellow sticky traps at 5-10/acre for monitoring. 4. Release Encarsia parasitoid if available (ICAR-CPCRI/state horticulture). 5. Neem oil 3% for hotspot fronds; don't blanket spray. 6. Do NOT bring infested palm nursery material from other states.
Source: ICAR-CPCRI + Tamil Nadu Coconut Dev Board
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