Arecanut: Aesa Based Ipm Package

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Balaji Scan Pvt. Ltd., Tel : 040-2330 3424
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ARECANUT
AESA BASED IPM Package
Important Natural Enemies of Arecanut Insect Pests
Parasitoids Plants Suitable for Ecological Engineering in

Arecanut Plantation
Anastatus bangalorensis Scoliids wasp

Alfalfa Sunflower Ocimum spp.
Predators
Cornflower Spearmint Mustard

Lacewing Predatory ant Carabid beetle
Marigold Carrot French bean
Robber fly Red ant Ladybird beetle
Cowpea Buckwheat Maize
Spider Praying mantis Black drongo

The AESA based IPM–Arecanut, was compiled by the NIPHM working group under the Chairmanship of Dr.
Satyagopal Korlapati, IAS, DG, NIPHM, and guidance of Shri. Utpal Kumar Singh, IAS, JS(PP). The package was
developed taking into account the advice of experts listed below on various occasions before finalization.
NIPHM Working Group:
Chairman : Dr. Satyagopal Korlapati, IAS, Director General
Vice-Chairmen : Dr. S. N. Sushil, Plant Protection Advisor
: Dr. P. Jeyakumar, Director (PHM)
Core Members:
1. Er. G. Shankar, Joint Director (PHE), Pesticide Application Techniques Expertise.
2. Dr. O.P. Sharma, Joint Director (A & AM), Agronomy Expertise.
3. Dr. Dhana Raj Boina, Assistant Director (PHM), Entomology Expertise.
4. Dr. Satish Kumar Sain, Assistant Director (PHM), Pathology Expertise.
Other Members:
1. Dr. N. Srinivasa Rao, Assistant Director (RPM), Rodent Pest Management Expertise.
2 Dr. B.S. Sunanda, Assistant Scientific Officer (PHM), Nematology Expertise.
Contributions by DPPQ & S Experts:
1. Shri. Ram Asre, Additional Plant Protection Advisor (IPM)
2. Shri. R. Murali, Deputy Director (Entomology)
3. Dr. Sanjay Arya, Deputy Director (Plant Pathology)
4. Dr. Subhash Kumar, Deputy Director (Weed Science)
Contributions by External Experts:
1. Dr. A. Joseph Raj Kumar, Senior Scientist, Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kudlu. P.O.
Kasaragod, Kerala.
2. Dr. H. P. Patnik, Prof & Head (Entomology), College of Agriculture, Odisha Univ. of Agriculture and
Technology, Bhubaneshwar-751003, Orissa.
3. Dr. K.C. Sahu, Prof & Head (Pathology), College of Agriculture, Odisha Univ. of Agriculture and Technology,
Bhubaneshwar-751003, Orissa.
4. Dr. S. N. Mohapatra Prof & Head (Nematology), College of Agriculture, Odisha Univ. of Agriculture and
Technology, Bhubaneshwar-751003, Orissa.
5. Dr. Surajit Khalko, Assistant Prof (Pathology), Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Cooch Behar, West
Bengal
6. Dr. Nripendra Laskar, Assistant Prof (Entomology), Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Cooch Behar, West
Bengal
7. Dr. Ayon Roy, Associate Prof (Pathology), Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Cooch Behar, West Bengal
8. Dr. Tapan Kumar Hath, Prof (Entomology), Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Cooch Behar, West Bengal
Citation Satyagopal, K., S.N. Sushil, P. Jeyakumar, G. Shankar, O.P. Sharma,
D.R. Boina, S.K. Sain, N. Srinivasa Rao, B.S. Sunanda, Ram Asre, R.
Murali, Sanjay Arya, Subhash Kumar, A.J.R. Kumar, H.P. Patnik,
K.C. Sahu, S.N. Mohapatra, Surajit Khalko, Nripendra Laskar,
Ayon Roy, T.K. Hath, 2014. AESA based IPM package for Arecanut.
pp 37.
Front cover picture Model AESA chart for Arecanut
Back cover picture Arecanut Plantation
Published by National Institute of Plant Health Management, Rajendranagar,

Hyderabad – 500 030
Copies: 1,000; December, 2014

For internal circulation only. Not for sale.
Contact APPA - IPM, Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage,

CGO Complex, NH IV, Faridabad, Haryana - 121 001.
Tel : 0129 2413020, e-mail: ppa@nic.in
Printed at Balaji Scan Pvt. Ltd.,

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Tel : 040-23303424
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अपर सचिव Avinash K Srivastava
Additional Secretary
भारत सरकार Government of India
कृ षि मं त्रालय Ministry of Agriculture
(कृ षि एवं सहकािरता विभाग) (Department of Agriculture & Cooperation)
कृ षि भवन, नई िदल्ली - 110001 Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi - 110 001
FOREWORD
Intensive agricultural practices relying heavily on chemical pesticides are a major cause of wide spread ecological
imbalances resulting in serious problems of insecticide resistance, pest resurgence and pesticide residues. There
is a growing awareness world over on the need for promoting environmentally sustainable agriculture practices.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a globally accepted strategy for promoting sustainable agriculture. During
last century, IPM relied substantially on economic threshold level and chemical pesticides driven approaches.
However, since the late 1990s there is conscious shift to more ecologically sustainable Agro-Eco System Analysis
(AESA) based IPM strategies. The AESA based IPM focuses on the relationship among various components of
an agro-ecosystem with special focus on pest-defender dynamics, innate abilities of plant to compensate for
the damages caused by the pests and the influence of abiotic factors on pest buildup. In addition, Ecological
Engineering for pest management - a new paradigm to enhance the natural enemies of pests in an agro-
ecosystem is being considered as an important strategy. The ecological approach stresses the need for relying on
bio intensive strategies prior to use of chemical pesticides.
Sincere efforts have been made by resource personnel to incorporate ecologically based principles and field
proven technologies for guidance of the extension officers to educate, motivate and guide the farmers to adopt
AESA based IPM strategies, which are environmentally sustainable. I hope that the AESA based IPM packages
will be relied upon by various stakeholders relating to Central and State government functionaries involved in
extension and Scientists of SAUs and ICAR institutions in their endeavour to promote environmentally sustainable
agriculture practices.
Date : 6.3.2014 (Avinash K. Srivastava)

सं युक्त सचिव
Joint Secretary
भारत सरकार Government of India
कृ षि मं त्रालय Ministry of Agriculture
(कृ षि एवं सहकािरता विभाग) (Department of Agriculture & Cooperation)
कृ षि भवन, नई िदल्ली - 110001 Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi - 110001
FOREWORD
IPM as a holistic approach of crop protection based on the integration of multiple strategies viz., cultural, physical,
mechanical, biological, botanical and chemical. Over the years IPM underwent several changes, shifting its focus
from damage boundary, economic injury to economic threshold. Currently most stake holders rely upon economic
threshold levels (ETL) and tend to apply chemical pesticides at the first instance in the event of a pest attack,
through Government of India has advocated need based and judicious application of chemicals. This approach
is likely to cause adverse effects on agro-ecosystems and increase the cost of agricultural production due to
problems of pest resurgence, insecticide resistance and sustainability.
During the late 90s FAO started advocating Agro-Ecosystem Analysis (AESA) based IPM. Experience in
different countries have sine show that AESA, which takes into account ecological principles and relies on the
balance that is maintained by biotic factors in an ecosystem has also resulted in reduction in cost of production
and increase in yields. AESA based IPM also takes into account the need for active participation of farmers and
promotes experiential learning and discovery based decision making by farmers. AESA based IPM in conjunction
with ecological engineering for pest management promotes bio-intensive strategies as against current chemical
intensive approaches, while retaining the option to apply chemical pesticides judiciously as a measure of last
resort.
The resource persons of NIPHM and DPPQ&S have made sincere efforts in revising IPM packages
for different crops by incorporating agro-ecosystem analysis, ecological engineering, pesticide application
techniques and other IPM options with the active cooperation of crop based plant protection scientists working
in state Agricultural Universities and ICAR institutions. I hope this IPM package will serve as a ready reference for
extension functionaries of Central / State Governments, NGOs and progressive farmers in adopting sustainable
plant protection strategies by minimizing the dependence on chemical pesticides.
(Utpal Kumar Singh)

National Institute of Plant Health Management
Department of Agriculture & Cooperation
Ministry of Agriculture
Government of India
Dr. K. SATYAGOPAL, IAS

Director General Rajendranagar
Telephone : +91-40-24015346, Hyderabad-500030
E-mail : dgniphm@nic.in http://niphm.gov.in
Tele-Fax : +91-40-24015346
PREFACE
Need for environmentally sustainable agricultural practices is recognised worldwide in view of the wide spread
ecological imbalances caused by highly intensive agricultural systems. In order to address the adverse impacts
of chemical pesticides on agro-ecosystems, Integrated Pest Management has evolved further from ETL based
approach to Agro-ecosystem Analysis based Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
In AESA based IPM the whole agro-ecosystem, plant health at different stages, built-in-compensation
abilities of the plant, pest and defender population dynamics, soil conditions, climatic factors and farmers’
past experience are considered. In AESA, informed decisions are taken by farmers after field observation , AESA
chart preparation followed by group discussion and decision making. Insect zoo is created to enable the farmer
understand predation of pests by Natural Enemies. AESA based PHM also results in reduction of chemical pesticide
usage and conserves the agro-ecosystems.
Ecological Engineering for Pest Management, a new paradigm, is gaining acceptance as a strategy for
promoting Biointensive Integrated Pest Management. Ecological Engineering for Pest Management relies on
cultural practices to effect habitat manipulation and enhance biological control. The strategies focus on pest
management both below ground and above ground. There is growing need to integrate AESA based IPM and
principles of ecological engineering for pest management.
There is a rising public concern about the potential adverse effects of chemical pesticides on the human
health, environment and biodiversity. The intensity of these negative externalities, through cannot be eliminated
altogether, can be minimized through development, dissemination and promotion of sustainable biointensive
approaches.
Directorate of Plant Protection Quarantine and Storage (DPPQS), has developed IPM package of practices
during 2001 and 2002. These packages are currently providing guidance to the Extension Officers in transferring
IPM strategies to farmers. These IPM package of practices, have been revised incorporating the principles of AESA
based IPM in detail and also the concept of Ecological Engineering for Pest Management. It is hoped that the
suggested practices, which aim at enhancing biodiversity, biointensive strategies for pest management and
promotion of plant health, will enable the farmers to take informed decisions based on experiential learning and
it will also result in use of chemical pesticides only as a last resort & in a safe and judicious manner.
(K. SATYAGOPAL)
Contents
Arecanut - Plant description.............................................................................................................................. 1
I. Pests ..................................................................................................................................................... 2
A. Pests of National Significance.......................................................................................................... 2
1. Insect and mite pests................................................................................................................. 2
2. Diseases...................................................................................................................................... 2
3. Weeds.......................................................................................................................................... 2
4. Nematode................................................................................................................................... 2
5. Rodents....................................................................................................................................... 2
B. Pests of Regional Significance.......................................................................................................... 3
1. Insect pests................................................................................................................................. 3
2. Diseases...................................................................................................................................... 3
3. Weeds.......................................................................................................................................... 3
II. Agro-Ecosystem Analysis (AESA) based Integrated Pest Management (IPM)..................................... 3
A. AESA................................................................................................................................................... 3
B. Field scouting ................................................................................................................................... 8
C. Light trap........................................................................................................................................... 9
D. Nematode extraction........................................................................................................................ 9
III. Ecological Engineering for Pest Management....................................................................................... 10
IV. Crop stage-wise IPM................................................................................................................................ 14
V. Rodent pest management....................................................................................................................... 17
VI. Insecticide resistance and its management........................................................................................... 18
VII. Nutritional deficiencies/disorders.......................................................................................................... 19
VIII. Common weeds........................................................................................................................................ 20
IX. Description of insect, mite and nematode pests................................................................................... 22
X. Description of diseases............................................................................................................................ 29
XI. Description of rodent pests..................................................................................................................... 31
XII. Safety measures....................................................................................................................................... 32
A. At the time of harvest....................................................................................................................... 32
B. During post-harvest storage............................................................................................................ 32
XIII. Do’s and Don’ts in IPM............................................................................................................................. 33
XIV. Basic precautions in pesticide usage...................................................................................................... 34
XV. Pesticide application techniques............................................................................................................ 35
XVI. Operational, calibration and maintenance guidelines in brief............................................................ 36
XVII. References................................................................................................................................................ 37
AESA based IPM – Arecanut
AESA based IPM Package for ARECANUT

Arecanut- Plant description:
Arecanut (Areca catechu L.; Family: Arecaceae) is a palm which grows in much of the tropical Pacific, Asia, and parts
of East Africa. Plants have large, evergreen leaves that are either palmately ('fan-leaved') or pinnately ('feather-
leaved') compound and spirally arranged at the top of the stem. The leaves have a tubular sheath at the base that
usually splits open on one side at maturity. The inflorescence is a spadix or spike surrounded by one or more bracts
or spathes that become woody at maturity. The flowers are generally small and white, radially symmetric, and
can be either uni- or bisexual. The sepals and petals are three each, and may be distinct or joined at the base. The
stamens are six, with filaments that may be separate, attached to each other, or attached to the pistil at the base.
The fruit is usually a single-seeded drupe (sometimes berry-like) but some genera (e.g. Salacca) may contain two
or more seeds in each fruit. The seed contains alkaloids such as arecaidine and arecoline, which, when chewed, are
intoxicating and slightly addictive. The seed also contains condensed tannins (procyanidins) called arecatannins
which are carcinogenic.The areca palm is also used as an interior landscaping species. It is often used in large
indoor areas such as malls and hotels.
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I. PESTS
A. Pests of National Significance
1. Insect and mite pests
1.1 Spindle bug: Carvalhoia arecae Miller& China (Hemiptera: Miridae)
1.2 Inflorescence caterpillar: Tirathaba mundella Walker( Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
1.3 Pentatomid bug: Halyomorpha marmorea (Fab.)(Hemiptera:Pentatomidae)
1.4 Root grub: Leucopholis burmeisteri (Brenske) L. lepidophora Blanch
(Coleoptera: Melolonthidae)
1.5 White mite/sorghum mite: Oligonychus indicus Hirst (Acarina:Tetranychidae)
1.6 Red mite/palm mite: Raoiella indica Hirst (Acarina: Tenuipalpidae)
2. Diseases
2.1 Koleroga or mahali or fruit rot: Phytophthora meadii McRae
2.2 Inflorescence die back: Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz.
2.3 Anaberoga or basal stem rot or foot rot: Ganoderma lucidum (Leys) Karst
2.4 Bud rot or crown rot: Phytophthora meadii McRae
2.5 Yellow leaf disease: Phytoplasma disease transmitted by the plant hopper,
Proutista moesta (Hemiptera: Derbidae)
3. Weeds
Broadleaf
3.1 Pigweed: Amaranthus viridis Hook. F. (Amaranthaceae)
3.2 Common purselane: Portulaca oleracea L. (Portualacaceae)
3.3 False amaranth: Digera arvensis Forsk. (Amaranthaceae)
3.4 Carrot grass: Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae)
3.5 Goat weed: Ageratum conyzoides L. (Asteraceae)
3.6 Coat buttons: Tridax procumbens L. (Asteraceae)
3.7 Crofton weed: Eupatorium odoratum L. syn. Chromolaena odorata
L. R.M. king & H. Rob (Asteraceae)
3.8 Mile a minute: Mickania micrantha H.B.K. (Asteraceae)
3.9 Sensative plants: Mimosa pudica L. (Fabaceae)
3.10 Horse purslane: Trianthema portulacastrum L. (Aizoaceae)
Grasses
3.11 Barnyard grass: Echinochloa crusgalli (L.) Beauv. (Poaceae)
3.12 Bermuda grass: Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. (Poaceae)
3.13 Congo grass: Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch. (Poaceae)
3.14 Goose grass: Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertner. (Poaceae)
Sedges
3.15 Purple nutsedge: Cyperus rotundus L. (Cyperaceae)
3.16 Flat sedge: Cyperus iria L. (Cyperaceae)
4. Nematode
4.1
Burrowing nematode: Radopholus similis(Cobb) Thorne
5. Rodents
5.1 Lesser bandicoot: Bandicota bengalensis (Gray)(throughout India)
5.2 Palm rat/house rat: Rattus rattus (Linnaeus)(throughout India)
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B. Pests of Regional Significance

1. Insect pests
1.1 Scale insects: red scale: Aonidiella orientalis Newstead; mussel scale:
Ischnaspis longinostris (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)
1.2 Stem weevil: Diocalandra stigmaticollis Gyll. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
2. Storage pests
2.1 Arecanut beetle: Caccotrypes carpophagus Horn (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)
2.2 Coffee bean weevil: Araecerus fasciculatus D. (Coleoptera:Anthribidae)
2.3 Cigarette beetle: Lasioderma serricorne (F.) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae)
2.4 Rice moth: Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) (Lepidoptera: Galleriidae)
3. Diseases
3.1 Collar rot of seedlings: Fusarium spp., Rhizoctonia spp.
3.2 Stem bleeding: Thielaviopsis paradoxa Von. Hon.
4. Diseases in storage
4.1
Mould: Aspergillus niger van Tieghem, A. flavus Link., A. chivalieri
4.2
Botryodiplodia rot: Botryodiplodia theobromae Pat
4.3
Rhizopus rot: Rhizopus sp.
5. Weeds
Broad leaf
5.1 Ragweed: Ambrosia psilostachya DC. (Asteraceae)
5.2 Field bindweed: Convolvulus arvensis L. (Convolvulaceae)
Sedges
5.3 Yellow nutsedge: Cyperus esculentus L. (Cyperaceae)
5.4 Flat sedge: Cyperus difformis L. (Cyperaceae)
II. AGRO-ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS (AESA) BASED INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM)

A. AESA:
The IPM has been evolving over the decades to address the deleterious impacts of synthetic chemical pesticides
on environment ultimately affecting the interests of the planters. The economic threshold level (ETL) was the basis
for several decades but in modern IPM (FAO 2002) emphasis is given to AESA where planters take decisions based
on larger range of plantation observations. The health of a plant is determined by its environment which includes
physical factors (i.e. soil, rain, sunshine hours, wind etc.) and biological factors (i.e. pests, diseases and weeds). All
these factors can play a role in the balance which exists between herbivore insects and their natural enemies.
Understanding the intricate interactions in an ecosystem can play a critical role in pest management.
Decision making in pest management requires a thorough analysis of the agro-ecosystem. Planter has
to learn how to observe the tree, how to analyze the field situations of the plantation and how to make proper
decisions for their tree management. This process is called the AESA. Participants of AESA will have to make a
drawing on a large piece of paper (60 x 80 cm), to include all their observations. The advantage of using a drawing
3
is that it requires the participants/planters to observe closely and intensively. It is a focal point for the analysis and
for the discussions that follow, and the drawing can be kept as a record.
AESA is an approach, which can be gainfully employed by extension functionaries and planters to analyze
the field situations of the plantation with regards to pests, defenders, soil conditions, plant health and the influence
of climatic factors and their relationship for growing a healthy tree. The basic components of AESA are:
• Plant health at different stages
• Built-in compensation abilities of plants
• Pest and defender population dynamics
• Soil conditions
• Climatic factors
• Planters past experience
Principles of AESA based IPM:

Grow a healthy tree:
• Select a variety resistant/tolerant to major pests
• Select healthy seeds/seedlings/ planting material
• Treat the seeds/seedlings/planting material with recommended pesticides especially biopesticides
• Follow proper spacing
• Soil health improvement (mulching and green manuring whenever applicable)
• Nutrient management especially organic manures and biofertilizers based on the soil test results. If the
dose of nitrogenous fertilizers is too high the tree becomes too succulent and therefore susceptible to
insects and diseases. If the dose is too low, the tree growth is retarded. So, the planters should apply an
appropriate amount of N fertilizers for best results.
• Proper irrigation
Observe the plantation regularly (climatic factors, soil and biotic factors):
Planters should:
• Monitor the field situation of the plantation at least once a week (soil, water, plants, pests, natural enemies,
weather factors etc.)
• Make decisions based on the field situation of the plantation and Pest: Defender ratio (P: D ratio)
• Take direct action when needed (e.g. collect egg masses, remove infested plants etc.)
Plant compensation ability:

Compensation is deﬁned as the replacement of plant biomass lost to herbivores and has been associated with
increased photosynthetic rates and mobilization of stored resources from source organs to sinks (e.g., from roots
and remaining leaves to new leaves) during active vegetative growth period. Plant tolerance to herbivory can
arise from the interaction of a variety of plant traits and external environmental factors. Several studies have
4
documented such compensation through increased growth and photosynthetic rate.
Understand and conserve defenders:

• Know defenders/natural enemies to understand their role through regular observations of the agro-
ecosystem
• Avoid the use of chemical pesticides especially with broad-spectrum activity
Model Agro-Ecosystem Analysis Chart

Date:
Village:
Farmer:
Decision taken based on the analysis of plantation situations

Soil conditions :
Weather conditions :
Diseases types and severity :
Weeds types and intensity :
Rodent damage (if any) :
No. of insect pests :
No. of natural enemies :
P: D ratio :
Insect zoo:
In plantation various types of insects are present. Some are beneficial and some may be harmful. Generally planters
are not aware about it. Predators (friends of the planters) which feed on pests are not easy to observe in tree
plantation. Insect zoo concept can be helpful to enhance planters’ skill to identify beneficial and harmful insects.
In this method, unfamiliar/unknown insects are collected in plastic containers with brush from the plantation field
5
and brought to a place for study. Each insect is placed inside a plastic bottle together with parts of the plant and
some known insect pests. Insects in the bottle are observed for certain time and determined whether the test
insect is a pest (feeds on plant) or a predator (feeds on other insects).
Pest: Defender ratio (P: D ratio):

Identifying the number of pests and beneficial insects helps the planters to make appropriate pest management
decisions. Sweep net, visual counts etc. can be adopted to arrive at the numbers of pests and defenders. The P:
D ratio can vary depending on the feeding potential of natural enemy as well as the type of pest. The natural
enemies of arecanut insect pests can be divided into 3 categories 1. parasitoids; 2. predators; and 3. pathogens.
The general rule to be adopted for management decisions relying on the P: D ratio is 2: 1. However, some
of the parasitoids and predators will be able to control more than 2 pests. Wherever specific P: D ratios are not
found, it is safer to adopt the 2: 1, as P: D ratio. Whenever the P: D ratio is found to be favourable, there is no
need for adoption of other management strategies. In cases where the P: D ratio is found to be unfavourable,
the planters can be advised to resort to inundative release of parasitoids/predators depending upon the type
of pest. In addition to inundative release of parasitoids and predators, the usage of microbial biopesticides and
biochemical biopesticides such as insect growth regulators, botanicals etc. can be relied upon before resorting to
synthetic chemical pesticides.
Decision making:
Planters become experts in tree management:
Planters have to make timely decisions about the management of their trees. AESA planters have learned to
make these decisions based on observations and analysis viz., abiotic and biotic factors of the tree ecosystem.
The past experience of the planters should also be considered for decision making. However, as field conditions
of plantation continue to change and new technologies become available, planters need to continue improving
their skills and knowledge.
• Planters are capable of improving farming practices by experimentation
• Planters can share their knowledge with other planters
AESA methodology:
• Go to the plantation in groups (about 5 planters per group). Walk across the plantation and choose 20
plants/ acre randomly. Observe keenly each of these plants and record your observations:
• Tree: 5-6 samples per tree (fruits/ leaves/ inflorescence /stem bark/roots/ soil/ insects, host
plants) should be collected where, one sample from top, four samples from all the four sides
(north, south, east, west) and one from bottom/soil, depending upon the requirement of
sturdy/observations and if necessary.
• Insect pests: Observe and count insect pests at different places on the plant.
• Defenders (natural enemies): Observe and count parasitoids and predators.
• Diseases: Observe leaves and stems and identify any visible disease symptoms and severity.
• Rats: Count the number of plants affected by rats
• Weeds: Observe weeds in the plantation and their intensity.
• Water: Observe the water situation of the plantation.
• Weather: Observe the weather condition.
• While walking in the plantation, manually collect insects in plastic bags. Use a sweep net to collect
additional insects. Collect plant parts with disease symptoms.
• Find a shady place to sit as a group in a small circle for drawing and discussion.
• If needed, kill the insects with some chloroform (if available) on a piece of cotton.
• Each group will first identify the pests, defenders and diseases collected.
• Each group will then analyze the field situation of the plantation in detail and present their observations
and analysis in a drawing (the AESA drawing).
• Each drawing will show a plant representing the field situation of the plantation. The weather conditions,
water level, disease symptoms, etc. will be shown in the drawing. Insect pests will be drawn on one
side. Defenders (beneficial insects) will be drawn on another side. Write the number next to each insect.
6
Indicate the plant part where the pests and defenders were found. Try to show the interaction between
pests and defenders.
• Each group will discuss the situation and make a tree management recommendation.
• The small groups then join each other and a member of each group will now present their analysis in front
of all participants.
• The facilitator will facilitate the discussion by asking guiding questions and makes sure that all participants
(also shy or illiterate persons) are actively involved in this process.
• Formulate a common conclusion. The whole group should support the decision on what plantation
management is required in the AESA plot.
• Make sure that the required activities (based on the decision) will be carried out.
• Keep the drawing for comparison purpose in the following weeks.
Data recording:
Planters should record data in a notebook and drawing on a chart:
• Keep records of what has happened help us making an analysis and draw conclusions
Data to be recorded:
• Tree situation (e.g. for AESA): Plant health; pests, diseases, weeds; natural enemies; soil conditions;
irrigation; weather conditions
• Input costs: Seeds; fertilizer; pesticides; labour
• Harvest: Yield (Kg/acre); price of produce (Rs./Kg)
Some questions that can be used during the discussion:
• Summarize the present situation of the plantation.
• What tree management aspect is most important at this moment?
• Is there a big change in tree situation compared to last visit? What kind of change?
• Is there any serious pest or disease outbreak?
• What is the situation of the beneficial insects?
• Is there a balance in the plantation between pests and defenders?
• Were you able to identify all pests and diseases?
• Do you think the tree is healthy?
• What management practices are needed at this moment?
• When will it be done? Who will do it? Make sure that responsibilities for all activities are being discussed.
• Are you expecting any problems to emerge during the coming week such as congenial weather conditions
for pest buildup?
• What are the problems? How can we avoid it? How can we be prepared?
• Summarize the actions to be taken.
Advantages of AESA over ETL:

One of the problems of the ETL is that it is based on parameters that are changing
all the time, and that are often not known. The damage or losses caused by a certain
density of insects cannot be predicted at all. In ETL the due recognition of the role
of natural enemies in decreasing pest population is ignored. Planters cannot base
their decisions on just a simple count of pests. They will have to consider many
other aspects of the tree (tree ecology, growth stage, natural enemies, weather
condition, etc.) and their own economic and social situation before they can
make the right tree management decisions. In ETL based IPM, natural enemies,
plant compensation ability and abiotic factors are not considered. In AESA based
IPM emphasis is given to natural enemies, plant compensation ability, abiotic
factors and P: D ratio.
AESA and farmer field school (FFS):

AESA is a season-long training activity that takes place in the farmer plantation. It
is season-long so that it covers all the different developmental stages of the tree
7
and their related management practices. The process is always learner-centered,

participatory and relying on an experiential learning approach and therefore it
has become an integral part of FFS.
Planters can learn from AESA:

• Identification of pests and their nature of damage
• Identification of natural enemies
• Management of pests
• Water and nutrients management
• Influence of weather factors on pest buildup
• Role of natural enemies in pest management
FFS to teach AESA based IPM skills:
B. Field scouting:
AESA requires skill, so only the trained farmers can undertake this exercise. However, other farmers also can do
field scouting in their own plantation at regular intervals to monitor the major pest situation. Surveillance on
pest occurrence at the main plantation should commence soon after tree establishment and at weekly intervals
thereafter. In each tree, select five branches randomly for recording of insects as per procedure finalized for
individual insects.
Sampling in fruit crops:

If someone is doing sampling he will be known as an inspector or scout. The fruit crops are perennial in nature and
before starting the surveillance process an inspector or scout who is going to implement the activity should know
about the nature of crop as well as different crop stages and its growth stages. Knowing crop and its nature helps
in identifying the important diseases and pest, because the diseases and pests are infect/infest certain stage or
part of the crop plant.
Sampling patterns:
Different methods of sampling are reported and being utilized for sampling in crops as well as in fruit plants
like aggravated, random, scattered etc. However, some of them are specific to the crop/disease/pests and some
of them are to be utilized at initial stage and or for subsequent plant growth stage. Also the sampling methods
may differ based upon the nature and requirement of the study like estimating disease incidence and or disease
severity.
However, for a common plantation studies the assessment methods should be easy and quick in use for a wide
range of conditions, but also adequately reliable and reproducible, accurate and precise. Generally this is not
always possible. In fruit crops generally following sampling patterns are used:
•• Zig-zag pattern. Sampling a fallow plantation or one with no obvious symptoms in the current crop to see
the incidence as well as sampling of viral, wilt disease.
•• Circle pattern. Sampling within the drip line of trees and shrubs and for powdery mildew, downy mildew
and leaf spot diseases etc.
•• Star pattern. Sampling from a damaged area.
8
Sampling frequency:
Sampling frequency or interval depends on generation interval or number of pathogen per year, potential for
population increase between generations, stage of crop- pathogen infection. Generally, if initial survey is already
implemented and some results are with the surveillance manager, then based upon the results of diseases/pests
incidence/intensity as well as weather parameters the surveillance frequency is decided to get comprehensive
view of the diseases and pests’ development/population dynamics as well as biocontrol agent’s population if
present in the crop ecosystem. In subsequent survey monitoring for the pathogen, pest and biocontrol agent
must be carried out to get following detailed informations:
•• Relative pest measuring estimates: Counting the representative samples in a given area.
•• Absolute pest measuring estimates: Counting all individuals in a population in a given area which
determine total pest population size in a given area. It is very effective pest surveillance research too but
very time consuming, not practical and or economically feasible.
•• Get an idea of pests per unit: The sampling to be organized to estimate the per plant and or area to make
the decision.
•• Get an idea of weather in the site: In addition to the pest estimation the prevailing weather conditions
which may affect pest development and or population buildup must be observed and recorded.
•• Get an idea of biocontrol agents: More importantly to strengthen the management strategies biocontrol
agent population size if available in a given area should be determined.
For mite pests: Count and record the number of both nymphs and adults on five randomly selected leaves
per plant.
For diseases:
Whenever scouting, be aware that symptoms of plant disease problems may be caused by any biotic factors such
as fungal, bacterial, viral pathogens or abiotic factors such as weather, fertilizers, nutrient deficiencies, pesticides
and abiotic soil problems. In many cases, the cause of the symptom is not obvious. Close examination, and
laboratory culture and analysis are required for proper diagnosis of the causal agent of disease. Generally fungal
diseases cause the obvious symptoms with irregular growth, pattern & colour (except viruses), however abiotic
problems cause regular, uniform symptoms. Pathogen presence (signs) on the symptoms can also be observed
like fungal growth, bacterial ooze etc. Specific and characteristic symptoms of the important plant diseases are
given in description of diseases section.
Root sampling: Always check plants that appear unhealthy. If there are no obvious symptoms on plants, examine
plants randomly and look for lesions or rots on roots and stems. Observe the signs of the causal organism (fungal
growth or ooze). It is often necessary to wash the roots with water to examine them properly. If the roots are well
developed, cut them to examine the roots for internal infections (discolouration & signs). Count the total number
of roots damaged/infested/infected due to rot should be counted and incidence should be recorded.
Leaf sampling: Examine all leaves of each plant for lesions. Leaf diseases cause most damage during the seedling
and flowering stages of plant growth. Observe for the symptoms and signs on the infected plant parts. Determine
the percent area of leaf infection by counting the number of leaves (leaf area diameter)/plant infected due to
disease and incidence should be recorded.
Stem, inflorescence and nut sampling: Carefully examine the stem, inflorescence and nut of plants for
symptoms and signs of fungal or bacterial diseases. The stem, inflorescence and nut should be split or taken apart
and examined for discoloration caused by fungi and bacteria. Count the number of stems, inflorescence and nut
infected due to disease and percent disease incidence should be recorded.
D. Light traps:
Set up light traps @ 1 trap/acre at the height of mid canopy for monitoring and mass trapping of nocturnal insects.
Light traps with exit option for natural enemies of smaller size should be installed and operate around the dusk
time (6 pm to 10 pm).
E. Nematode extraction:
Collect 100 to 300 cm3 (200-300 g) representative soil sample. Mix soil sample and pass through a coarse sieve
9
to remove rocks, roots, etc. Take a 600 cc subsample of soil, pack lightly into a beaker uniformly. Place soil in one
of the buckets or pans half filled with water. Mix soil and water by stirring with paddle; allow to stand until water
almost stops swirling. Pour all but heavy sediment through 20-mesh sieve into second bucket; discard residue
in first bucket; discard material caught on sieve. Stir material in second bucket; allow to stand until water almost
stops swirling. Pour all but heavy sediment through 200-mesh sieve into first bucket; discard residue in second
bucket. Backwash material caught on 200-mesh sieve (which includes large nematodes) into 250-ml beaker. Stir
material in first bucket; allow to stand until water almost stops swirling. Pour all but heavy sediment through
325-mesh sieve into second bucket; discard residue in first bucket. Backwash material caught on 325-mesh sieve
(which includes small to mid-sized nematodes and silty material) into 250-ml beaker. More than 90% of the live
nematodes are recovered in the first 5-8 mm of water drawn from the rubber tubing and the sample is placed in a
shallow dish for examination.
III. ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING FOR PEST MANAGEMENT

Ecological engineering for pest management has recently emerged as a paradigm for considering pest management
approaches that rely on the use of cultural techniques to effect habitat manipulation and to enhance biological
control. Ecological engineering for pest management is based on informed ecological knowledge rather than high
technology approaches such as synthetic pesticides and genetically engineered crops (Gurr et al. 2004 a, b).
Ecological Engineering for Pest Management – Below Ground:

There is a growing realization that the soil borne, seed and seedling borne diseases can be managed with microbial
interventions, besides choosing appropriate plant varieties. The following activities increase the beneficial
microbial population and enhance soil fertility.
•• Keep soils covered year-round with living vegetation and/or tree residue.
•• Add organic matter in the form of farm yard manure (FYM), vermicompost, crop residue etc. which
enhance below ground biodiversity of beneficial microbes, insects and other organisms.
•• Application of balanced dose of nutrients using biofertilizers based on soil test report.
•• Application of biofertilizers with special focus on mycorrhiza and plant growth promoting rhizobia (PGPR)
•• Application of Trichoderma harzianum/viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens for treatment of seeds/seedlings/
planting material in the nurseries and plantation (if commercial products are used, check for label claim.
However, biopesticides produced by farmers for own consumption in their fields, registration is not required).
Ecological Engineering for Pest Management – Above Ground:

Natural enemies play a very significant role in control of foliar insect pests. Natural enemy diversity contributes
significantly to management of insect pests both below and above ground.
Natural enemies may require:

1. Food in the form of pollen and nectar.
2. Shelter, overwintering sites and moderate microclimate etc.
3. Alternate hosts when primary hosts are not present.
In order to attract natural enemies following activities should be practiced:

•• Raise the flowering plants / compatible cash crops along the orchard border by arranging shorter plants
towards main crop and taller plants towards the border to attract natural enemies as well as to avoid
immigrating pest population
10
•• Grow flowering plants on the internal bunds inside the plantation

•• Not to uproot weed plants those are growing naturally such as Tridax procumbens, Ageratum sp,
Alternanthera sp etc. which act as nectar source for natural enemies
•• Not to apply broad spectrum chemical pesticides, when the P: D ratio is favourable. The plant compensation
ability should also be considered before applying chemical pesticides.
•• Reduce tillage intensity so that hibernating natural enemies can be saved.
•• Select and plant appropriate companion plants which could be trap crops and pest repellent crops. The
trap crops and pest repellent crops will also recruit natural enemies as their flowers provide nectar and
the plants provide suitable microclimate.
Due to enhancement of biodiversity by the flowering plants, parasitoids and predators (natural enemies) number
also will increase due to availability of nectar, pollen and insects etc. The major predators are a wide variety of
spiders, ladybird beetles, long horned grasshoppers, lacewing, earwigs, etc.
Plants Suitable for Ecological Engineering for Pest Management
Attractant plants
Sunflower Buckwheat Mustard
Marigold Sweetclover Peppermint/Spearmint
French bean Carrot Alfalfa
11
Coriander White clover Maize
Cornflower Sesame Cowpea
Repellent plants
Ocimum spp. Peppermint/Spearmint
The flowering plants suggested under Ecological Engineering for pest management strategy are known as attractant
plants to the natural enemies of the selected pests. The information is based on published literature, however, the
actual selection of flowering plants could be based on availability, agro-climatic conditions and soil types.
12
Biodiversity of natural enemies observed in Ecological Engineering field at NIPHM

Biodiversity of natural enemies: Parasitoids
Biodiversity of natural enemies: Predators
Biodiversity of natural enemies: Spiders
13
IV. CROP STAGE/WISE IPM

Management Activity
Pre-planting*
Common cultural practices:
•• Prepare proper pits.
•• Timely planting should be done.
•• Maintain proper spacing.
•• A pit of size of 90 x 90 x 90 cm is preferred when the soils are deep and well drained. In heavy soils
with added impedance to drainage, pit size of 60 x 60 x 60 cm is preferable.
•• Pits should be filled with top soil, farm yard manure red soil and sand mixture.
•• Seedling should be planted at the center of the pit and put soil to cover up to the collar region of
the seedling.
Weeds Cultural control:
•• Banana can be raised as a shade crop in the interspaces during the initial years.
•• Prepare beds of 1-1.5 m width and of convenient length with 75 cm space between beds.
•• In areas where drainage is poor, prepare raised beds (10-20 cm height)
Nursery stage*
•• Select fully ripen nuts for use as seeds.
•• Select early-bearing and high yielding varieties. Select planting sites with deep well-drained soil
without high water trouble.
•• Do deep ploughing or digging.
•• Soil solarization by using transparent polyethylene sheets in nursery plots
•• Select good mother palm i.e. must be of 20 years of age, yield more than 80 nuts/annum, etc.
Nutrients •• Apply basal dose of well decomposed FYM or vermicompost @ 2 t/ acre treated with Trichoderma 2-3
weeks before planting seed nuts in sand bed nursery.
•• Recyling biomass using areca waste materials
•• Polythene bags (25x 15cm, 150 gauge) filled with potting mixture (top soil: farm yard manure: sand
7:3:2) can also be used to raise secondary nursery.
Weeds •• Periodical weeding and mulching with organic materials should be done.
•• In nursery, weeds should be removed manually.
Seed and seedling stage*
•• Sow seeds in the spacing of 5-6 cm cover the seed nuts with sand.
•• Transplant sprouts 90 days old having two to three leaves in the secondary nursery at a spacing of
30×30 cm.
•• Prepare secondary beds of 150 cm width of convenient length.
•• Provide shade by growing banana or Coccinia indica by artificial pandal.
•• Apply recommended dose of fertilizer or manure.
•• Provide irrigation properly.
Nutrients •• Apply 12 Kg of green leaf and 12 Kg compost or farm yard manure per plant at the time of planting.
•• A fertilizer dose of 100g N, 40g P2O5 and 140g K2O per palm per year is recommended. Terracing
should be provided in undulated lands to prevent soil erosion.
Weeds •• Weeds should be removed from pits at the time of planting.
•• Straw/ leaf mulches are provided after planting to suppress the weed growth around young seedlings.
•• Cover crop and intercrop may be grown between the rows.
14
* Apply Trichoderma viride/harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens as seeds/seedlings/planting material treatment and soil
application (if commercial products are used, check for label claim. However, biopesticides produced by farmers for own
consumption in their fields, registration is not required).
Vegetative stage
•• Collect and destroy plant debris
•• Provide irrigation at critical stages of the crop.
•• Avoid water logging.
•• Regulate shade in thickly shaded areas.
•• Remove and destroy collateral/alternate hosts such as castor, ginger, turmeric in the immediate vicinity.
•• Maintain optimum plant density.
•• Ensure adequate shade of 65-70% in endemic areas and irrigate the crop before attaining critical period.
•• Fill gaps with healthy disease free materials.
•• Mulching the plant basins with green leaves and other organic materials during summer months
conserves and maintains the population of native beneficial microflora.
Common mechanical practices:
•• Handpick the older larvae during early stages
•• Collect and destroy plant parts infested with insect pest and diseases
•• Handpick the gregarious caterpillars and the cocoons which are found on stem and destroy them in
kerosene mixed water.
•• Use light trap @ 1/acre and operate between 6 pm and 10 pm
•• Set up bonfire during evening hours at 7-8 pm
Common biological practices:
•• Conserve natural enemies through ecological engineering
•• Augmentative release of natural enemies
•• Enhance parasitic activity by avoiding chemical spray, when 1-2 larval parasitoids are observed.
Nutrients •• For seedlings, 1/3 of the recommended dose of chemical fertilizers (100g N, 40g P2O5 and 140g K2O
per palm) is sufficient during first year; 2/3 during the second year and full dose from third year
onwards.
•• Under rainfed conditions, 1/3 of the recommended dose in April-May and 2/3 in September-October
should be applied. Under irrigated conditions, the April-May dose can be applied in February.
•• During February or April-May, broadcast the fertilizer around the base of each palm after weeding
and mix with the soil by light forking
•• During September-October, open the basin to a radius of 75 to 100 cm and to a depth of 15-20cm,
apply the fertilizer and cover with dug soil.
Weeds •• Timely hoeing & hand tool weeding should be done manually / mechanically during initial years.
•• Soil should be loosened with light digging in October-November.
•• Weeding is done twice or thrice a year by spade digging.
Phytophagous •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 14, 15).
mite Cultural control:
•• Collect and destroy the heavily infested and drying leaves of young palm in the initial foci of
colonization
Scales** •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 14, 15).
Biological control:
•• Release Chilocorus nigritus periodically @ 4-5 beetles/palm
15
Spindle bugs •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 14, 15).
Cultural control:
•• Digging and forking of the soil before and after the monsoon will help in eliminating the various
developmental stages of the beetle.
Basal stem •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 14, 15).
rot/foot rot/ •• For resistant / tolerant varieties consult ICAR Institute / KVK’s / SAU’s.
anaberoga/ Cultural control:
Ganoderma wilt •• Improve drainage.
•• Avoid dense planting.
•• Avoid flood irrigation and water flowing from infected palms to healthy palms.
•• Avoid repeated ploughing and digging in the diseased gardens.
•• Balanced manuring and fertilizer application.
•• Cutting and burning of dead palms along with the bole and roots should be followed strictly.
Yellow leaf •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 14, 15).
disease •• For resistant / tolerant varieties consult ICAR Institute / KVK’s / SAU’s.
Cultural control:
•• Biomass recycling and excess application of phosphorus 100g/palm
Mechanical control:
•• Remove and destroy the diseased palms in the mildly affected areas to prevent the spread.
Nematodes •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 14, 15).
Mechanical control:
•• Mechanically remove left over/residual parts of the plant
Reproductive stage
Nutrients •• Apply deficient micronutrients if any based on soil test recommendations
Weeds •• Intercultural operations should be done manually or mechanically from time to time to reduce the
weed incidence.
Bud rot •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 14, 15).
•• For resistant / tolerant varieties consult ICAR Institute / KVK’s / SAU’s.
Mechanical control:
•• Remove and destroy the diseased palms in the mildly affected areas to prevent the spread.
White grup/ •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 14, 15).
root grub Cultural control:
•• Deep summer ploughing to expose the immature stages for avian predation.
Mechanical control:
•• Collection and destruction of beetles emerging from the soil during pre-monsoon showers in the
evening hours
Biological control:
•• Conserve and augment entomopathogenic nematodes such as Heterorhabditis spp. and Steinernema
spp. @ 2-3 infected cadevers of wax moth larvae/tree
•• Application of neem cake @ 2 Kg/palm/year at the base of the plant during June-July
Inflorescence stage
Inflorescence •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 14, 15).
caterpillar Mechanical control:
•• Affected spadices may be opened and if all the female flowers have been damaged the inflorescence
should be removed and burnt.
16
Inflorescence •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 14, 15).
die back or bud Mechanical control:
shedding •• Remove the fully affected inflorescence and destroy them to prevent spread.
Nut formation stage
Koleroga/ •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 14, 15).
mahali/fruit rot/ •• For resistant / tolerant varieties consult ICAR Institute / KVK’s / SAU’s.
bud rot Mechanical control:
•• Collect all the infected nuts and other plant parts and destroy
•• Cover the bunches with polybags
Pentatomid bug •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 14, 15).
Mechanical control:
•• Remove and destroy the alternate hosts such as chillies, ladies finger, bitter gourd etc.
Harvest and storage
Storage pests: •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 14, 15).
Coffee bean Mechanical control:
weevil** •• Sun dry the fully ripened nuts by evenly spreading on ground or cement floor
Cigarette
beetle**
**Pests of regional significance.
V. RODENT PEST MANAGEMENT
•• Disturb and destroy the habitat (burrows) of the rodents by practicing clean cultivation
•• Minimize the alternate food sources and secured habitation by removing the weeds and crop residues in/
around the fields
•• Practice burrow smoking using paddy straw or other natural smoking materials in ANGRAU/NIPHM
burrow fumigator for 2-3 minutes for each burrow.
•• Encourage the establishment of natural predator like barn owls by establishing barn owl perches/ wooden
boxes in and around the crop fields.
•• Practice burrow smoking as individual and community, preferably on a campaign approach.
•• Organize community rodent control campaigns using rodenticide poison baits
•• Apply 2% Zinc phosphide poison baits (96 parts of broken rice + 2 parts of edible oil + 2 parts of 98% ZnP)
when the rodent infestation is very high. Practice pre-baiting before apply ZNP poison baiting to avoid
the bait shyness.
•• Practice poison baiting with anticoagulant, bromadilone @ 0.005% (96 parts of broken rice + 2 parts of
edible oil + 2 Parts of 0.25% CB bromadiolone) on community approach.
17
VI. INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE AND ITS MANAGEMENT

Insecticide resistance: Resistance to insecticides may be defined as ‘a heritable change in the sensitivity of a pest
population that is reflected in the repeated failure of a product to achieve the expected level of control when used
according to the label recommendation for that pest species’ (IRAC). Cross-resistance occurs when resistance to
one insecticide confers resistance to another insecticide, even where the insect has not been exposed to the latter
product.
Causes of resistance development: The causes and rate at which insecticide resistance develops depend on
several factors,including the initial frequency of resistance alleles present in the population, how rapidly the
insects reproduce, the insects’ level of resistance, the migration and host range of the insects, the insecticide's
persistence and specificity, and the rate, timing and number of applications of insecticide made. For instance,
insect pests that survive in large populations and breed quickly are at greater advantage of evolving insecticide,
especially when insecticides are misused or over-used.
General strategy for insecticide resistance management: The best strategy to avoid insecticide resistance
is prevention and including insecticide resistance management tactics as part of a larger integrated pest
management (IPM) approach.
1) Monitor pests: Monitor insect population development in fields to determine if and when control measures
are warranted. Monitor and consider natural enemies when making control decisions. After treatment, continue
monitoring to assess pest populations and their control.
2) Focus on AESA. Insecticides should be used only as a last resort when all other non-chemical management
options are exhausted and P: D ratio is above 2: 1. Apply biopesticides/chemical insecticides judiciously after
observing unfavourable P: D ratio and when the pests are in most vulnerable life stage. Use application rates and
intervals as per label claim.
3) Ecological engineering for pest management: Flowering plants that attract natural enemies as well as plants
that repel pests can be grown as border/intercrop.
4) Take an integrated approach to managing pests. Use as many different control measures as possible viz.,
cultural, mechanical, physical, biological etc. Select insecticides with care and consider the impact on future pest
populations and the environment. Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides when a narrow-spectrum or more specific
insecticide will work. More preference should be given to green labeled insecticides.
5) Mix and apply carefully. While applying insecticides care should be taken for proper application of insecticides
in terms of dose, volume, timing, coverage, application techniques as per label claim.
6) Alternate different insecticide classes. Avoid the repeated use of the same insecticide, insecticides in the
same chemical class, or insecticides in different classes with same mode of action and rotate/alternate insecticide
classes and modes of action.
7) Preserve susceptible genes. Preserve susceptible individuals within the target population by providing
unsprayed areas within treated fields, adjacent "refuge" fields, or habitat attractions within a treated field that
facilitate immigration. These susceptible individuals may outcompete and interbreed with resistant individuals,
diluting the resistant genes and therefore the impact of resistance.
18
VII. NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES/DISORDERS

Nutrients Fig.
Nitrogen: Plants are stunted and generally yellow with lower leaves being most affected.
Older leaves are golden yellow colour.
Correction measure: Foliar application of 2% urea thrice at fortnightly interval or soil
application of 1-2 Kg urea / tree.
Potassium: Symptoms first appear on oldest leaves and later spreads to young leaves.
Translucent yellow or orange spots develop on leaflets. The tree appears yellow, the trunk is
slender with few short leaves. Leaflets with necrotic areas along the margins which later wilt
but midrib remain alive. Yellowing is more pronounced and accompanied by irregular brown
blotches along the edges of leaflets than along the midrib.
Correction measure: Soil application of KCl @ 1.3 Kg/tree/year
Calcium: Abnormal growth of young leaves and growing points resembling boron deficiency.
Severe deficiency leads to death of the bud.
Correction measure: Application of gypsum @ 2-5 Kg/tree/year.
Magnesium: Broad light yellow band along the margin of older leaves. The centre of the
leaf remaining green. In severe cases leaflet tips may become necrotic. Older leaves become
bronzed and dry appearance. Leaflets show necrosis and turn to reddish brown with
translucent spots yellowing starts at the tip and spreads to the base.
Correction measure: Soil application of MgSO4 @ 1-2 Kg/tree/year.
Nut splitting: This is a physiological disorder. Sudden flush of water after a period of water
stress is the main cause. Initial symptom appears as premature yellowing of nuts when they
are half to three fourth mature. This is followed by splitting of nuts from both sides and the
tips which expand longitudinally towards the calyx exposing the kernel.
Control measures: Improvement of drainage and spraying of Borax @ 2g/l in the initial
stages of disorder are found effective in controlling the disease.
http://www.kissankerala.net
19
VIII. COMMON WEEDS
1. Pigweed: 2. Common purselane: 3. False amaranth:

Amaranthus viridis Hook. F. Portulaca oleracea L. Digera arvensis Forsk.
(Amaranthaceae) (Portualacaceae) (Amaranthaceae)
4. Carrot grass: 5. Goat weed: 6. Coat buttons:

Parthenium hysterophorus L. Ageratum conyzoides L. Tridax procumbens L.
(Asteraceae) (Asteraceae) (Asteraceae)
7. Crofton weed: 8. Mile a minute: 9. Sensative plants:

Eupatorium odoratum L. Mickania micrantha H.B.K. Mimosa pudica L.
(Asteraceae) (Asteraceae) (Fabaceae)
10. Horse purslane: 11. Barnyard grass: 12. Bermuda grass:

Trianthema portulacastrum L. Echinochloa crusgalli (L.) Cynodon dactylon (L.)
(Aizoaceae) Beauv. (Poaceae) Pers. (Poaceae)
20
13. Congo grass: 14. Goose grass: 15. Ragweed:

Imperata cylindrica (L.) Eleusine indica (L.) Ambrosia psilostachya DC
Raeusch. (Poaceae) Gaertner. (Poaceae) (Asteraceae)
16. Field bindweed: 17. Purple nutsedge: 18. Flat sedge:

Convolvulus arvensis L. Cyperus rotundus L. Cyperus iria L.
(Convolvulaceae) (Cyperaceae) (Cyperaceae)
19. Yellow nutsedge: 20. Flat sedge:

Cyperus esculentus L. Cyperus difformis L.
(Cyperaceae) (Cyperaceae)
21
IX. DESCRIPTION OF INSECT, MITE AND NEMATODE PESTS

1) Spindle bug:
Biology:
Egg: Eggs are laid singly between the leaflets of the spindle. The eggs hatch in 9 days.
Nymph: There are five nymphal stages and it is completed in 15-24 days. The light violet brown nymphs have greenish
yellow border.
Adult: Adult bugs are brightly coloured (red and black)
Damage symptoms:
•• Inhabit the inner most leaf axils, usually below the spindle.
•• Both nymphs and adults suck sap. Infested portions develop necrotic patches leading to drying.
•• Spin dlefails to unfurl.
•• Severe infestation leads to stunting of the palm.
http://www.nbaii.res.in/insectpests/images/Mircarvalhoia-arecae6.jpg
http://www.cpcri.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=68&Itemid=111
Damage symptoms
Natural enemies of spindle bug:

Predators: Lacewing, ladybird beetle, King crow, common mynah, wasp, dragonfly, spider, robber fly, reduviid bug, praying
mantid, red ant, big eyed bug, pentatomid bug, earwig, ground beetle etc.
*For the management refer page no 16.
2) Pentatomid bug:
Biology:
Egg: The white or pale green barrel-shaped eggs are laid in clusters (25 eggs) on the lower surface of leaves.Egg period is
about 4-5 days
Nymph: Nymphs lack fully developed wings and are tick-like in appearance, ranging in size from 2.4 mm (1st instar) to 12
mm (5th instar). First instars are orange or red in colour and remain clustered around the egg mass. The 2nd instars appear
black in colour and subsequent instars (3rd, 4th, and 5th) resemble adults in colour. Each nymphal instar lasts for 10 days.
Adult: Adults are 12 to17 mm long (approximately 1/2 inch), and have a mottled appearance. Alternating dark and light
bands occur on the last two antennal segments. Additionally, the head and pronotum are covered with patches of coppery
or bluish metallic-colored punctures and the margins of the pronotumare smooth. The exposed lateral margins of the
abdomen are marked with alternate bands of brown and white. Faint white bands are also evident on the legs.
22
Life cycle:
Damage symptoms:
•• The later instar nymphs and adultbugs pierce the
tender nuts and suck the kernel sapresulting in drying
of kernelsand dropping of tendernuts
•• Characteristic pinprick black marks are seen at the
feeding sites, which subsequently enter into the kernel
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/bean/brown_marmorated_stink_bug.htm
Natural enemies of pentatomid bug:

Parasitoid: Anastatus bangalorensis, etc.
http://www.agritech.tnau.ac.in/crop_protection/crop_prot_crop_insectpest%20_
Arecanut.html
Damage symptoms
3) White grub/root grub:

Biology:
Egg: Adult beetles lay eggs in soil mostly up to 10 cm depth. Eggs hatch in about 1 to 3 weeks.
Grub/larva: The grub period with three instars is completed in 7 to 8 months.
Pupa: The pupation takes place in soil in cocoons prepared with mud which lasts about a month
Adult: The adult beetles are chestnut brown in color and emerge during May-June few days after receipt of pre-monsoon
showers, between 6.30 and 7.30 PM.
Life cycle: Damage symptoms:
•• Root/white grubs occur mostly in sandy and sandy loam soils.
•• They are voracious feeders ofarecanut roots.
•• The early instar grubs feed on the roots of grasses and other humus.
•• The second and third instar grubs of these beetles feed on tender
and mature roots of the palm. In severe cases, the bole of the palm is
also eaten up.
•• They also feed on roots of intercrops such as banana, cocoa, tapioca,
yams etc.
•• Feeding on arecanut seedling roots results in dropping and drying
of leaves
•• Affected seedlings come off easily since the entire root system is
usually eaten up.
•• Palms with continuous (few years) infestation show a sickly appearance,
with yellowing of leaves, tapering of stem, and reduction in yield.
http://etd.uasd.edu/ft/th9586.pdf
•• The palms may topple in case of severe loss of root system
23
http://etd.uasd.edu/ft/th9586.pdf
http://www.kissankerala.net:8080/KISSAN-CHDSS/English/Arecanut/pests/2.htm
Damage symptoms
Natural enemies of white grub/root grub:

Parasitoid: Scoliids wasp etc.
Predators: False vampire bats, garden lizards, wild boar etc.
4) Inflorescence caterpillar:
Biology:
Egg: Eggs are white, circular and slightly flat and approximately 0.8 mm in diameter.Eggs are laid on flowers from emergence
to the end of flowering. Egg period is 5 days.
Larva: Larvae complete their development within the fruit. The red coloured caterpillar penetrates the inflorescence and
remains in the tissue for 15 days, tunnelling and destroying the tissue. After this phase it moves to the base of the peduncle
changing into a pupa. As the caterpillar destroys the tissues of the inflorescence, a resin coloured liquid gum is exuded from
the fruitlets, which upon exposure to air becomes reddish coloured and as it solidifies turns dark brown.
Pupa: Pupa 12 mm long and 5 mm wide with a brown color and a few dark spots. Moth emerges from pupa in 7-11 days.
Adult: The adult moth has a greyish upper wing surface and a cream color underneath with a wingspan of 28-35 mm. The
adult can be found during the day or night, flying in a rapid and haphazard fashion.
Life cycle:
Damage symptoms:
•• The caterpillars feed on the inflorescences especially
the tender female flowers and rachillae, web them into
a wet mass with silken threads and take shelter in it.
•• Burrowing and feeding activities produce visible
damage symptoms in the form of frass production and
a sticky, gummy exudate.
•• Mature caterpillars can damage newly opened
inflorescences also.
•• In severecases, they bore into the tender buttons and
tender nuts as well.
•• Delayed spathe opening, yellowing of spadices,
presence of small holes with frassand drying patches
http://www.nbaii.res.in/insectpests/Tirathaba-rufivena.php
on the spathe are the external symptoms of attack.
24
Natural enemies of inflorescence caterpillar:
Predators: Predatory ant, lacewings, ladybird beetles,

King crow, common mynah, wasp, dragonfly, spider,
robber fly, reduviid bug, praying mantis, red ants, big
eyed bugs (Geocoris sp), pentatomid bug (Eocanthecona
furcellata), earwigs, ground beetles, rove beetles etc.
Damage symptoms
http://www.agritech.tnau.ac.in/crop_protection/crop_prot_crop_insectpest%20_Arecanut.html
5) Red mite:
These mites are small and flat, and usually feed on the under surface of leaves. They are slow moving and do not produce silk,
as do many tetranychid (spider mite) species.
Biology:
Egg: The eggs are laid in groups, often near the midrib or depressions in the leaflet. The freshly laid egg is attached to the
leaf surface and a fine white stripe (slender hairlike structure) as long as or longer than the egg is present at one end. The
incubation period is 8 days for fertilized eggs and 7.3 days for unfertilized eggs.
Larva: The newly hatched larva is red and has three pairs of legs. A blackish tinge may develop on the posterior end of the
dorsum after feeding. The larva typically feeds for 3-5 days and then becomes quiescent for 1.7 to 1.9 days before moulting
to the protonymphal stage.
Protonymphs: The reddish protonymph emerges with four pairs of legs and feeds for 2-5 days prior to becoming quiescent.
The quiescent phase lasts from 1-4 days before deutonymphs emerge from the exoskeleton. The female protonymph has an
ovoid body with a rounded posterior but the male protonymph has a pointed posterior and a nearly triangular body.
Deutonymphs: Deutonymphs are larger than protonymphs but resemble protonymphs with regard to feeding and other
habits. The active phase lasts 2-5 days and the subsequent quiescent phase lasts from 2-4 days.
Adult: Females develop dark markings on the dorsum of the body after feeding. The dorsum is smooth, except for the
presence of punctae (sculptured depressions). The male is smaller, but similar to the female in shape except for having a
tapering of the posterior end of the body. Adult females are larger than males and less active. The life cycle from egg to adult
typically requires 23 to 28 days for females and 20 to 22 days for males.
Damage symptoms:
•• The reddish mites are easily seen against green leaves.
•• Heavy infestations of the mites are typically on the lower surface
of the leaves, and yellow speckles and blotches on the leaves are
seen from the feeding damage.
•• Yellowing of the leaves may often be severe.
•• In severe infestations yellowing of leaves is quite prominent.
Natural enemies of red mites:

Predators: Staphylinid beetle, predatory mite etc. Damage symptoms
http://www.cpcri.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article
&id=68&Itemid=111
25
6) White mite:
Biology:
Egg: Adults lay light yellowish rounded eggs on lower surface of leaves.
Nymph: Nymphs are smaller in size than adults.
Adult: Adults are greyish green with black blotches scattered over dorsum. Adults possess4 pairs of legs.There are 30
overlapping generation in a year
Damage symptoms:
•• Adults and nymphs present on the lower surface of leaves.
•• Adult males feed very little and the main damage is caused by the females
and immature stages.
•• The colony is found under white webs.
•• Feeds on lower surface of arecanut leaves.
Natural enemies of white mite:

Predators: Anthocorid bug, syrphid/hover fly, green lacewing, ladybird beetle,
predatory mites etc. Damage symptoms
http://www.agritech.tnau.ac.in/crop_protection/crop_prot_
crop_insectpest%20_Arecanut.html
7) Burrowing nematode:
Damage symptoms:
•• Infested palms show general yellowing, reducing growth, vigour and yield
•• Appearance of orange-coloured lesions, blackening of tips of lateral and tertiary roots and rotting of roots
26
Natural Enemies of Arecanut Insect and Mite Pests

Parasitoids
Egg parasitoid Larval parasitoid
1.http://www.nbaii.res.in/Featured_insects/Anastatus-
bangalorensis.php
2. http://www.pbase.com/rcm1840/
image/85327393&gcmd=add_comment
1. Anastatus bangalorensis 2. Scoliids wasp
Predators
1. Lacewing 2. Ladybird beetle 3. Spider
4. Predatory ant 5. Dragonfly 6. Robber fly
7. Reduviid bug 8. Preying mantis 9. Black drongo
27
10. Nabid bug 11. Common mynah 12. Big-eyed bug
13. Earwig 14. Ground beetle 15. Pentatomid bug
16. Carabid beetle 17. Cantharid beetle 18. Mirid bug
19. Hover fly 20. Predatory mite 21. Predatory thrips
4.http://www.alexanderwild.com/Ants/Taxonomic-List-of-Ant-Genera/Pachycondyla/i-5fsCcNh; 5. http://en.wikipedia.
org/wiki/Dragonfly; 6. http://www.warpedphotosblog.com/robber-fly-and-prey; 7.http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/plants/
field-crops-and-pastures/broadacre-field-crops/integrated-pest-management/a-z-of-predators,-parasites-and-pathogens/
assassin-bugs; 8. http://spirit-animals.com/praying-mantis/; 9. http://nagpurbirds.org/blackdrongo/picture/1639;
10. http://www.gwydir.demon.co.uk/insects/naboidea.htm; 11. http://nickdobbs65.wordpress.com/tag/herbie-the-love-
bug/; 12. http://bugguide.net/node/view/598529; 13. http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnhallmen/2901162091/
14.http://www.mattcolephotography.co.uk/Galleries/insects/Bugs%20&%20Beetles/slides/ Ground%20Beetle%20
-%20Pterostichus%20madidus.html; 15. http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/ndsu/rider/Pentatomoidea/Genus_Asopinae/
Eocanthecona.htm; 16. http://tolweb.org/Carabidae/8895; 17. http://www.kerbtier.de/cgi-bin/enFSearch.
cgi?Fam=Cantharidae; 18. http://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/Miridae/blepharidopterus_angulatus.html
20. http://www.dragonfli.co.uk/natural-pest-control/natural-enemies; 21. http://biocontrol.ucr.edu/hoddle/persea_mite.
22. Orius spp. html; 22.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Orius_insidiosus_from_USDA_2_(cropped).jpg
28
X. DESCRIPTION OF DISEASES
1) Koleroga/mahali/fruit rot/bud rot:
Disease symptoms:
•• Characteristic symptom is rotting and extensive shedding of the immature nuts which lie scattered near the base of the
tree. White mycelial mass envelopes on entire surface of the fallen nuts.
•• Initial symptoms appear as dark green/ yellowish water-soaked lesions on the nut surface near the perianth (calyx).
•• The infected nuts lose their natural green lusture, quality and hence have a low market value.
•• The lesions on the fruits gradually spread covering the whole surface before or after shedding which consequently rot.
•• As the disease advances the fruit stalks and theax is of the inflorescence rot and dry, sometimes covered with white
mycelial mats. Infected nuts are lighter in weight and possess large vacuoles.
•• When infection occurs later in the season, it leads to rotting and drying up of nuts without shedding (known as ‘Dry
Mahali’).
Survival and spread:
•• Disease spreads through heavy
winds and rain splashes.
•• The fruit bunches infected towards
the end of rainy season may remain
mummified on the palm and such
nuts provide inoculum for bud rot
or crown rot or the recurrence of
fruit rot in the next season.
1. Shedding of immature nuts 2. Water soaked lesion near perianth
http://icargoa.res.in/Extension%20Folder%20No-67-arecanut%20fruit%20rot.pdf
Favourable conditions:
•• The severity, persistence and spread of fruit rot are related to the pattern of rain. The disease appears usually 15 to 20
days after the onset of regular monsoon rains and may continue up to the end of the rainy season.
•• Continuous heavy rainfall coupled with low temperature (20 to 23 °C), high relative humidity (>90%) and intermittent
rain and sunshine hours favour the outbreak of fruit rot.
*For management refer to page number 17.
2) Inflorescence die back:
Disease symptoms:
•• Disease appears on rachillae of the male flowers and
then in the main rachis as brownish patches which
soon spreads from tip downwards covering the entire
rachis causing wilting.
•• The female flowers of the infected rachis shed and the
whole inflorescence shows ‘die back’ symptom.
•• The fruiting bodies of the fungus (conidia) appear as
concentric rings in the discolored areas.
•• The disease is severe mostly during dry condition
Disease symptoms (February-March).
http://www.kissankerala.net:8080/KISSAN-CHDSS/English/Arecanut/Disease/6.htm •• Button shedding followed by die-back of inflorescence
is a severe problem in arecanut plantations during
monsoon periods.
•• Spread is through air borne conidia.
29
3) Yellow leaf disease:

Disease symptoms:
•• Yellowing of tips of leaflets in 2 or 3 leaves of outermost whorl.
•• Brown necrotic streaks run parallel to veins in unfolded leaves.
•• The yellowing extends to the middle of the lamina. Tips of the chlorotic leaves dry up. In advanced stage all the leaves
become yellow.
•• Yellowing of leaves is conspicuous during October to December.
•• Finally the crown leaves fall off leaving a bare trunk. Root tips turn black and gradually rot.

•• Phytoplasma like organism (Phytoplasma)
•• Vector: Plant hopper (Proutis tamoesta)
Disease symptoms *For management refer to page number 16.

http://www.kissankerala.net:8080/KISSAN-CHDSS/English/Arecanut/Disease/1.htm
4) Anaberoga/foot rot:
Disease symptoms:
•• The leaf lets in outer whorls become yellow and spreads to the whole leaf and the leaves droopdown covering the stem.
•• Later, the inner whorl leaves also become yellow. Subsequently all the leaves droop, dry up and fall off, leaving the stem
alone.
•• Then the stem becomes brittle and easily broken by heavy wind.
•• The base of the stem shows brown discoloration and oozing of dark fluid.
•• Bracket shaped fructifications of the fungus called ‘anabe’ appears at the base of the trunk.
•• Roots become discoloured, brittle and dried.
•• When infected trunk is cut open brown discoloration can be seen up to one metre from ground level.
Disease symptoms
http://www.kissankerala.net:8080/KISSAN-CHDSS/English/Arecanut/Disease/4.htm

•• The disease is severe in neglected, ill-drained and over-crowded gardens especially with hard, black loamy acid soils of
higher iron and calcium contents.
•• Soil borne, but secondary spread is through air-borne spores.
30
5) Bud rot:
Disease symptoms:
•• Initial symptom is the characteristic change of spindle leaf colour from green to yellow and then brownish.
•• The leaves rot and the growing bud rots causing death of the palm.
•• The affected young leaf whorl can be easily pulled off.
•• The outer leaves also become yellow and droop down one by one leaving a bare stem.
Disease symptoms
http://www.cpcri.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=68&Itemid=111
http://agritech.tnau.ac.in/crop_protection/crop_prot_crop%20diseases_plantation_arecanut.html

Disease cycles:
1. Anaberoga or foot rot: 2. Bud rot:
XI. DESCRIPTION OF RODENT PESTS

1) Lesser bandicoot:
•• Distributed throughout India and infests almost all crops.
•• Robust rodent (200 to 300 g body weight) with a rounded head and a broad
muzzle. Dorsum covered with grey-brownish rough hairs. Tail is naked, shorter
than head and body.
•• Breeds throughout the season and litter size 6-8 in normal conditions.
•• Nocturnal and fossorial. Burrows are characterized by the presence of scooped
soil at the entrance and mostly burrow openings are closed with soil.
•• It is major pest under wetland conditions
31
2) House rat:
•• Distributed throughout India. Medium sized (80-120g) slender rodent.
Commonly found in houses and on plantation crops.
•• Very good climber with longer tail than head and body. Inhabitation on trees
and other places and won’t make any burrows in fields.
•• Breeds throughout the year producing 5 to 7 litters a year. Serious pest in
residential premises and in orchards and horticultural crops.
•• Very severe in gardens with improper spacing and close planting
Damage symptoms
•• The rodents cause damage to stem, crown, raw fruit and ripening fruit during the development. More damage occurs
at fruit ripening stage of crop.
XII. SAFETY MEASURES
A. At the time of harvest:
Harvesting of nuts at correct stages is very important for obtaining the produce of better quality. After harvesting,
ripe nuts will have to be sundried for about 45 days. It is essential to spread the nuts in single layer for drying.
Proper drying of nuts is very important to avoid fungal infection of nuts in drying yards. Turning of nuts once in a
week may be attended for ensuring uniform drying and better quality of produce.
B. During post-harvest storage:
A method of preserving fresh ripe nuts by steeping in mixed preservative solution has been developed to avoid the
problems encountered during the preservation of fresh ripe nuts in garden fresh condition. It consists of washing
freshly harvested areca fruits in chlorinated water to remove adhering dirt. The fruits are then blanched in boiling
calcium chloride (0.2%) solution. This treatment reduces microbial load, destroys enzymes and preserves the
firmness of husk. The fruits are then immersed in solution containing 0.1% sodium benzoate and 0.2% potassium
metabisulphite acidified to a pH of 3.5 to 4.0 using hydrochloric acid. The fruits can be preserved in fresh ripe
condition for 10-12 months.
Nambiar et al. (1971) developed a technology for management spoilage of arecanuts. There is no problem of
infection when the nuts are harvested without soil contact and dried in hot air oven at 65°C for 63 h as compared
to 3.6% of the nuts contracting disease in conventional method of harvest followed by drying in mechanical dryer
at 62°C for 72h. However, treatingnuts with fungicides such as blitox or Bordeaux mixture followed by drying
on cement floor significantly reduced the percentage of infection. Infection is less when the nuts are stored
inpolythene lined gunny bags compared to those stored in plain gunny bags.
32
XIII. DO’S AND DON’TS IN IPM

S. No. Do’s Don’ts
1 Deep ploughing is to be done on bright sunny days Do not plant or irrigate the field after ploughing, at
during the months of May and June. least for 2-3 weeks, to allow desiccation of bulbs and/or
The field should be kept exposed to sun light at least rhizomes of perennial weeds.
for 2-3 weeks
2 Adopt inter-cropping of recommended crops. Do not disturb the plant roots by adopting ploughing
away from the pits.
3 Grow only recommended varieties. Do not grow susceptible varieties.
4 Always treat the seedlings with approved chemicals/ Do not use seedlings without seed treatment with
bio products for the control of seed borne diseases/ biocides/chemicals.
pests
5 Plant in rows at optimum depths under proper Do not plant seedlings beyond 5-7 cm depth.
moisture conditions for better establishment.
6 Apply only recommended herbicides at Pre-emergent as well as soil incorporated herbicides
recommended dose, proper time, as appropriate should not be applied in dry soils. Do not apply herbicides
spray solution with standard equipment along with along with irrigation water or by mixing with soil, sand or
flat fan or flat jet nozzles. urea.
7 Maintain optimum and healthy crop stand which Crops should not be exposed to moisture deficit stress at
would be capable of competing with weeds at a their critical growth stages.
critical stage of crop weed competition
8 Use NPK fertilizers as per the soil test recommendation. Avoid imbalanced use of fertilizers.
9 Use micronutrient mixture after sowing based on soil Do not apply any micronutrient mixture after sowing
test recommendations. without soil test recommendations.
10 Conduct weekly AESA in the morning preferably Do not take any management decision without
before 9 a.m. Take decision on management practice considering AESA and P: D ratio
based on AESA and P: D ratio only.
11 Install pheromone traps at appropriate period. Do not store the pheromone lures at normal room
temperature (keep them in refrigerator).
12 Release parasitoids only after noticing adult moth Do not apply chemical pesticides within seven days of
catches in the pheromone trap or as pheromone trap release of parasitoids.
or as per field observation
13 Apply NPV of respective Lepidopteran moth if Do not apply NPV on late instar larva and during day time.
available at recommended dose when a large number
of egg masses and early instar larvae are noticed.
Apply NPV only in the evening hours after 5 pm.
14 In case of pests which are active during night spray Do not spray pesticides at midday since, most of the
recommended biopesticides/chemicals at the time of insects are not active during this period.
their appearance in the evening.
15 Spray pesticides thoroughly to treat the undersurface Do not spray pesticides only on the upper surface of
of the leaves, particularly for mites, and other sucking leaves.
pests harbouring the lower side of leaves.
16 Apply short persistent pesticides to avoid pesticide Do not apply pesticides during preceding 7 days before
residue in the soil and produce. harvest.
17 Follow the recommended procedure of trap crop Do not apply long persistent pesticides on trap crop,
technology. otherwise it may not attract the pests and natural enemies.
33
XIV. BASIC PRECAUTIONS IN PESTICIDE USAGE

A. Purchase
1. Purchase only just required quantity e.g. 100, 250, 500, 1000 g/ml for single application in specified area.
2. Do not purchase leaking containers, loose, unsealed or torn bags; Do not purchase pesticides without
proper/approved labels.
3. While purchasing insist for invoice/bill/cash memo
B. Storage
1. Avoid storage of pesticides in house premises.
2. Keep only in original container with intact seal.
3. Do not transfer pesticides to other containers; Do not store expose to sunlight or rain water; Do not
weedicides along with other pesticides
4. Never keep them together with food or feed/fodder.
5. Keep away from reach of children and livestock.
C. Handling
1. Never carry/ transport pesticides along with food materials.
2. Avoid carrying bulk pesticides (dust/granules) on head shoulders or on the back.
D. Precautions for preparing spray solution
1. Use clean water.
2. Always protect your nose, eyes, mouth, ears and hands.
3. Use hand gloves, face mask and cover your head with cap.
4. Use polythene bags as hand gloves, handkerchiefs or piece of clean cloth as mask and a cap or towel to
cover the head (Do not use polythene bag contaminated with pesticides).
5. Read the label on the container before preparing spray solution.
6. Prepare the spray solution as per requirement
7. Do not mix granules with water; Do not eat, drink, smoke or chew while preparing solution
8. Concentrated pesticides must not fall on hands etc while opening sealed container. Do not smell
pesticides.
9. Avoid spilling of pesticides while filling the sprayer tank.
10. The operator should protect his bare feet and hands with polythene bags
E. Equipments
1. Select right kind of equipment.
2. Do not use leaky and defective equipments
3. Select right kind of nozzles
4. Don’t blow/clean clogged nozzle with mouth. Use old tooth brush tied with the sprayer and clean with
water.
5. Do not use same sprayer for weedicide and insecticide.
F. Precautions for applying pesticides
1. Apply only at recommended dose and dilution
2. Do not apply on hot sunny day or strong windy condition; Do not apply just before the rains and after
the rains; Do not apply against the windy direction
3. Emulsifiable concentrate formulations should not be used for spraying with battery operated ULV
sprayer
4. Wash the sprayer and buckets etc with soap water after spraying
5. Containers buckets etc used for mixing pesticides should not be used for domestic purpose
6. Avoid entry of animals and workers in the field immediately after spraying
7. Avoid tank mixing of different pesticides
G. Disposal
1. Left over spray solution should not be drained in ponds or water lines etc. throw it in barren isolated area
if possible
2. The used/empty containers should be crushed with a stone/stick and buried deep into soil away from
water source.
3. Never reuse empty pesticides container for any other purpose.
34
XV. Pesticide application techniques

Equipments
Category A: Stationary, crawling pests/diseases
Vegetative stage Insecticides and •• Lever operated knapsack sprayer (droplets of
i) For crawling and fungicides big size)
soil borne pests •• Hollow cone nozzle @ 35 to 40 psi
•• Lever operating speed = 15 to 20 strokes/min
or
•• Motorized knapsack sprayer or mist blower
ii) For small sucking (droplets of small size)
leaf borne pests
•• Airblast nozzle
•• Operating speed: 2/3rd throttle
Reproductive stage Insecticides and •• Lever operated knapsack sprayer (droplets of
fungicides big size)
•• Hollow cone nozzle @ 35 to 40 psi
Category B: Field flying pests/airborne pests

Vegetative stage Insecticides and •• Motorized knapsack sprayer or mist blower
Reproductive stage fungicides (droplets of small size)
(Field Pests) •• Airblast nozzle
•• Operating speed: 2/3rd throttle
Or
•• Battery operated low volume sprayer (droplets
of small size)
•• Spinning disc nozzle
Mosquito/ locust Insecticides and •• Fogging machine and ENV (exhaust nozzle
and spatial fungicides vehicle) (droplets of very small size)
application •• Hot tube nozzle
(migratory Pests)
Category C: Weeds
Post-emergence Weedicide •• Lever operated knapsack sprayer (droplets of
application big size)
•• Flat fan or floodjet nozzle @ 15 to 20 psi
Pre-emergence Weedicide •• Trolley mounted low volume sprayer (droplets

application of small size)
•• Battery operated low volume sprayer (droplets
of small size)
35
XVI. Operational, calibration and maintenance guidelines in brief

1. For application rate and dosage see the label and leaflet of the
particular pesticide.
2. It is advisable to check the output of the sprayer (calibration) before

commencement of spraying under guidance of trained person.

3. Clean and wash the machines and nozzles and store in dry place
after use.
4. It is advisable to use protective clothing, face mask and gloves while

preparing and applying pesticides.
Do not apply pesticides without protective clothing and wash
clothes immediately after spray application.
5. Do not apply in hot or windy conditions.
6. Operator should maintain normal walking speed while undertaking

application.
7. Do not smoke, chew or eat while undertaking the spraying operation
8. Operator should take proper bath with soap after completing

spraying
9. Do not blow the nozzle with mouth for any blockages. Clean with
water and a soft brush.
36
XVII. REFERENCES
•• http://www.cabi.org/cpc/?compid=1&dsid=46792&loadmodule=datasheet&page=868&site=161
•• http://icargoa.res.in/Extension%20Folder%20No-67-arecanut%20fruit%20rot.pdf
•• http://megapib.nic.in/ipmarecanut.htm
•• http://www.kissankerala.net:8080/KISSAN-CHDSS/English/Arecanut/Disease/6.htm
•• http://14.139.158.118/docs/Frepub/CP2816.pdf
•• http://dasd.gov.in/index.php/arecanut.html?start=4
•• http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/orn/palms/red_palm_mite.htm
•• http://agritech.tnau.ac.in/crop_protection/crop_prot_crop%20diseases_plantation_arecanut.html
•• http://www.nbaii.res.in/insectpests/Mircarvalhoia-arecae.php
•• http://www.kaucentrallibrary.org/thesis/170243.pdf
•• http://www.researchjournal.co.in/online/IJPP/IJPP%202(2)/2_A-237-239.pdf
•• p://www.hindu.com/seta/2005/01/27/stories/2005012700271500.htm
•• http://agropedia.iitk.ac.in/content/sugarcane-red-spider-mite-oligonychus-indicus
•• http://takingroots.in/ipm_mites
•• http://www.pherobase.com/database/species/species-Tirathaba-mundella.php
•• http://tnau.ac.in/eagri/eagri50/ENTO331/lecture07/lec07.pdf
•• http://14.139.158.118/docs/Frepub/CP1491.pdf
•• http://14.139.158.118/bioinf/CP2813.pdf
•• http://www.celkau.in/Crops/Plantation%20Crops/Arecanut.aspx
•• http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/NEMATODE/Radopholus_similis.htm
•• http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00049-003-0233-5
•• NAMBIAR, K K N., EDISON, S and NAIR, R. R.197l. Fungal infection of processed arecanuts. Andhra Agric. 1. 18:
1-7.
•• APHU (2010). Package of practices of important Horticultural Crops. Venkataramannagudem, West Godavari
District – 534 101 (A.P.).
•• Naidu, V.S.G.R. 2012, Hand Book on Weed Identification Directorate of Weed Science Research, Jabalpur, India
Pp 354.
•• http://agritech.tnau.ac.in/agriculture/plant_nutri/cashew_potassium.htm
•• Central Plantation Crops Research Institute Kasaragod Kerala. Extension Publication No: 122.
•• http://www.kissankerala.net
•• http://www.cpcri.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=68&Itemid=111
•• Gurr, GM, Wratten, SD and Altieri MA (2004a) Ecological Engineering for Pest Management Advances in Habitat
Manipulation for Arthropods. CSIRO PUBLISHING, Collingwood, Australia.
•• Gurr GM, Wratten SD and Altieri MA (2004b) Ecological Engineering: a new direction for pest management,
AFBM Journal 1: 28-35.
37
Important Natural Enemies of Arecanut Insect Pests
Parasitoids Plants Suitable for Ecological Engineering in

Arecanut Plantation
Anastatus bangalorensis Scoliids wasp

Alfalfa Sunflower Ocimum spp.
Predators
Cornflower Spearmint Mustard

Lacewing Predatory ant Carabid beetle
Marigold Carrot French bean
Robber fly Red ant Ladybird beetle
Cowpea Buckwheat Maize
Spider Praying mantis Black drongo

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ARECANUT
AESA BASED IPM Package

Arecanut: Aesa Based Ipm Package

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Arecanut: Aesa Based Ipm Package

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Balaji Scan Pvt. Ltd., Tel : 040-2330 3424

Parasitoids Plants Suitable for Ecological Engineering in

Anastatus bangalorensis Scoliids wasp

Cornflower Spearmint Mustard

Marigold Carrot French bean

Robber fly Red ant Ladybird beetle

Cowpea Buckwheat Maize

Spider Praying mantis Black drongo

NIPHM Working Group:

Chairman : Dr. Satyagopal Korlapati, IAS, Director General

Vice-Chairmen : Dr. S. N. Sushil, Plant Protection Advisor

: Dr. P. Jeyakumar, Director (PHM)

1. Er. G. Shankar, Joint Director (PHE), Pesticide Application Techniques Expertise.

2. Dr. O.P. Sharma, Joint Director (A & AM), Agronomy Expertise.

3. Dr. Dhana Raj Boina, Assistant Director (PHM), Entomology Expertise.

4. Dr. Satish Kumar Sain, Assistant Director (PHM), Pathology Expertise.

2 Dr. B.S. Sunanda, Assistant Scientific Officer (PHM), Nematology Expertise.

Contributions by DPPQ & S Experts:

1. Shri. Ram Asre, Additional Plant Protection Advisor (IPM)

2. Shri. R. Murali, Deputy Director (Entomology)

3. Dr. Sanjay Arya, Deputy Director (Plant Pathology)

4. Dr. Subhash Kumar, Deputy Director (Weed Science)

Contributions by External Experts:

Front cover picture Model AESA chart for Arecanut

Back cover picture Arecanut Plantation

Published by National Institute of Plant Health Management, Rajendranagar,

Copies: 1,000; December, 2014

Contact APPA - IPM, Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage,

Printed at Balaji Scan Pvt. Ltd.,

Date : 6.3.2014 (Avinash K. Srivastava)

(Utpal Kumar Singh)

Dr. K. SATYAGOPAL, IAS

AESA based IPM Package for ARECANUT

indoor areas such as malls and hotels.

B. Pests of Regional Significance

II. AGRO-ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS (AESA) BASED INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM)

Principles of AESA based IPM:

Plant compensation ability:

documented such compensation through increased growth and photosynthetic rate.

Understand and conserve defenders:

Model Agro-Ecosystem Analysis Chart

Decision taken based on the analysis of plantation situations

Pest: Defender ratio (P: D ratio):

Advantages of AESA over ETL:

AESA and farmer field school (FFS):

and their related management practices. The process is always learner-centered,

Planters can learn from AESA:

FFS to teach AESA based IPM skills:

Sampling in fruit crops:

III. ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING FOR PEST MANAGEMENT

Ecological Engineering for Pest Management – Below Ground:

Ecological Engineering for Pest Management – Above Ground:

Natural enemies may require:

In order to attract natural enemies following activities should be practiced:

•• Grow flowering plants on the internal bunds inside the plantation

Plants Suitable for Ecological Engineering for Pest Management

Sunflower Buckwheat Mustard