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K'taka horti dept concern over disease infecting bottom fronds of coconut trees
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Friday, 23 August, 2024, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Nandita Vijayasimha, Bengaluru
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Coconut growers in Karnataka, are facing challenges because their plantations are affected with a disease that infects the bottom fronds of coconut trees. The pests then move to the upper fronds, causing the tree to look scorched, with only 2–3 fronds remaining green. This is particularly rampant in Tumakuru district.
In this regard, horticulture officials have recommended using the aphid Goniozus nephantidis to control the population of black-headed caterpillars. They suggest using 20–30 aphids per tree, about five times every 15 days. In case of a heavy infestation, the department recommends using a biological insecticide.
Some coconut growers in Gauribidanur, Tiptur and other taluks say the disease bears a striking resemblance to leaf blight disease or 'Pestalotiopsis palmarum fungus,' which had affected trees 10 years ago.
To this end, the Coconut Development Board coming under the aegis of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, is looking at Integrated Disease Management Practices for Basal Stem Rot Disease of Coconut and Farmer Participatory Demonstration-cum- Training Programme. It will focus on geo-mapping of Basal Stem Rot (BSR) disease incidence in major coconut growing areas. The objective is to demonstrate the efficacy and feasibility of recommended technologies in coconut on a group action basis in Basal Stem Rot affected area.
In order to motivate the farmers by designing and imparting need based trainings to different client groups related to Basal Stem Rot management, the Coconut Development Board created awareness among growers regarding the disease through mass media, field visits and also by personal communications. Its Project Approval Committee perused the recommendations and observed that a project with similar objectives has already been by the Horticulture Research and Extension Station, Arsikere, Karnataka, so this project will only be repetition. PAC decided that the Principal Investigator may modify the project restricting to demonstration of proven integrated management technologies of basal stem rot disease.
Karnataka holds third position in terms of coconut production in all over India after Kerala and Tamil Nadu. In Karnataka, most of the people treat coconut tree as a ‘Kalpavruksha’ or tree of life. Almost all districts are cultivating the coconut crop. Through coconut crop large people are getting direct or indirect employment. Every part of the coconut tree is useful in economic perspective. For example, the coconut tree gives neera, tender coconut, dry coconut, copra, leaves, and its trunk is also useful for one or the other purpose.
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