Management strategies to knock down red palm weevil infesting coconut

摘要

Coconut is a versatile and small holder crop securing the livelihood of about 12 million farm families in the country. Being synonymous to every household in Kerala, coconut forms an integral component in their cuisine. In the recent past, incidence of red palm weevil has been quite predominant, inflicting loss as high as 3-5% in certain pockets of Kerala particularly in regions prevalent with root (wilt) disease. Reasons for red palm weevil upsurge The reasons attributed to the recent flare up of the pest problem are1) Unscientific upkeep of coconut palm following close spacing (less than 7.5 x 7.5 m) with palms receiving improper and inadequate light.2) Rampant injuries caused by rhinoceros beetle feeding damage, diseases such as leaf rot and bud rot emanating volatiles orienting the adult red palm weevils for egg laying on the damaged tissues.3) Frequent injuries by human intervention such as cutting steps for climbing and damaging palm trunk by piercing with billhook etc.4) Cutting petiole close to the trunk and improper crown management.5) Shallow planting and water stagnation in palm basin during monsoon season inducing root rotting.6) Deteriorating palm health due to root (wilt) disease.