Tamil Nadu Agricultural University has forecast pest and disease control methods for August in certain districts of the State.
In Dharmapuri, Dindigul, Tirunelveli, Thiruvannamalai, Pudukottai and Salem, leaf folder and stem borer pest incidence were noticed in rice. To manage this, light trap can be set up to kill adult moths. If needed, neem seed kernel can be sprayed.
In Dharmapuri, incidence of thrips was noticed. Farmers are asked to spray Phosphamidon 40 SL 50 ml or Monocrotophos 36 SL 40 ml for 20 cent nursery area.
In Nagapattinam, green leaf hopper was noticed. Farmers are asked to apply insecticides, twice every 15 and 30 days after transplanting. Insecticides can also be sprayed. In the case of cotton, in Tirunelveli and Salem, cotton bollworm incidence was noticed. Farmers are asked to monitor the movement of adult moths by setting up pheromone trap. If necessary, spray phosalone, quinalphos, carbaryl or chlorpyriphos.
In Salem, incidence of white fly was noticed. To mange this, plant products as it is or in combination with insecticides can be sprayed during early stages.
In the case of groundnut, in Dharmapuri, Tirunelveli, Thiruvannamalai, Pudukottai and Salem, leaf miner incidence was noticed. Farmers are asked to set up light traps to monitor and kill the adult moths. If needed, insecticides can be sprayed.
Tapioca, papaya and mulberry farmers are asked to watch out for incidence of papaya mealy bug P. marginatus. In the case of such incidences, farmers may contact the nearby TNAU research station / Krishi Vigyan Kendra / college for obtaining the parasitoids free of cost.
Source: The Hindu,3rd August, 2012