US predators to fight mealy bugs
Chaminda PERERA
|
Papaw cultivations have been affected by the mealy bug
disease. |
The Agricultural Development and Agrarian Services Ministry has
introduced a comprehensive action plan to tackle the mealy bug menace
which is ravaging cultivations in six provinces. Papaw, manioc, chilie
and brinjal cultivations in the Western, North Western, Sabaragamuwa and
North Central provinces have been affected by the mealy bug disease.
The Horticulture Research and Development Institute at Peradeniya
identified this pest species as Paracoccus marginatus populary known as
Papaya mealy bug and its identification was confirmed by the Senior
Biosystematist of the Plant Diagnostic Centre, USA.
Araliya trees (Temple Trees) and papaw cultivation have faced with
the threat of extinction with the rapid spread of the disease to the
remotest areas in the island.
Researchers and experts in the agriculture sector have preferred
prevention of disease by taking precautionary measure over biological
eradication of the pest which takes some time.
The Government has ordered 50,000 predators from the US which can
effectively tackle this mealy bug within six months. The public are
requested to follow precautionary measures until the pest is
biologically eradicated.
People without proper knowledge on how to tackle this disease, take
infected plants and leaves to other cultivations too. Clusters of
cotton-like masses can be found on leaves of trees that have been
affected by the mealy bug menace.
The Ministry requested the public not to transport infected papaw or
any other plant outside their garden as it would further spread this
menace.
Human activities and wind are the most significant factors for the
spread of this disease into larger area. This pest first identified in
Mexico in 1955 inflicted heavy damages on cultivation in Indonesia and
India particularly in Tamil Nadu last year.
According to Ministry Consultant Prof. H.P.M. Gunasena, Araliya trees
(Temple Trees) in the urban areas too were affected by this diesease and
the way this disease came to Sri Lanka is not known.
Hotline- 1920
The Ministry has established special hotline 1920 to provide
information regarding this disease. The public can obtain any
information with regard to agriculture on this hotline.
Agrarian Services Department officials should take the responsibility
for spreading the mealy bug menace to six provinces, says Agriculture
Development Minister Hemakumara Nanayakkara
Damage symptoms
**Stunting of plants
**Leaf deformation
**Early drop of leaves and fruits
**Heavy build up of honey dew
**Growth of sooty mould
**Withering of the plant
Control measures
**Spray strong jet of water directly to affected area
**Use of soap water with kerosene oil
**Insecticide application for commercial cultivations
----------
Tentative recommendations
**Imidacloprid (admire 1-2ml) Thiamethoxam (actara) 0.5-1 g\l
**Acetamiprid (Fipronil) 1g-2g\1
|
