HIi
Control measures for mites
Being a micro pest inhabiting under the periyanth, the control measurers at field level are not easy. However by adopting the following integrated plant protection measures the mite population could be reduced considerably.
1. Adoption of phytosanitary measures in coconut gardens such as cleaning the crown of the palm, keeping the plantation clean and burning of all immature nuts fallen due to mite infestation.
2.Spraying biopesticides on the bunches
a) 2% neem oil - garlic emulsion (20ml neem oil + 20g garlic + 5g bar soap in 1 litre water). Emulsion has to be prepared on the same day of application itself.
b) Other neem based pesticides at 0.004% (Azadirachtin). If the pesticide formulation contains 1% Azadirachtin, 4ml has to be used in 1 litre water.
Wherever spraying is difficult root feeding may be resorted to with Azadirachtin 5% formulation (7.5ml+7.5ml water) or Azadirachtin 1% formulation (10ml + 10ml water).
3. Spraying has to be done 3 times a year - December-February, April-June and September-October. While spraying, ensure that the spray fluid falls over the perianth region especially on button and tender nuts. On an average 1-1.5 litre spray fluid is required per palm. Care should be taken to harvest mature bunches before spraying.
4.Following palm health care practices also may be adopted.
1. Recycling of biomass generated within the coconut system by vermi compost method or by using lignin degrading fungus.
2.Raising of green manure crops in the coconut basins (like sunhemp, cowpea, calapagonium etc.) and incorporation into the soil in the basin itself, these act as mulch during summer and slowly decompose and provide nutrients when incorporated to soil.
3. Application of recommended dosages of fertilizers, in two split doses, as per the package of practices prevailing in the respective states.
4. Recommended level of irrigation during summer months i.e. 250-500 litres of water per tree per week (based on evapotranspiration in the given area).
5.Soil moisture conservation by following methods.
1.Burial of coconut husk in the basin.
2.Mulching the basins (2m radius) with coconut leaves/green manure / green leaf manure.
3. Mulching with coir pith wherever available (2m radius).
Regards
Ashwini
