Mealybug Attack May Harm Tomato Crop in South IndiaHome

Surveys carried out by the researchers at the All India Network Project on Agricultural Ornithology (AINPAO) of the College of Horticulture, Thrissur, have confirmed the pest attack in seven districts, including Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam and Kottayam districts.

Cash crops, medicinal plants and fruit trees are susceptible to the pest attack. The infestation can lead to retarded growth of the affected plants and eventually crop loss.

The infestation will suppress the plant growth as the pests feed on plant juice. A black soot-like fungi spreads on the leaves affecting the plant growth, researchers said.

It is estimated that there can be crop loss to the tune of 10 to 15 per cent. The pest attack may increase significantly during the peak summer months of April and May, said Mani Chellappan, a researcher at the college.

The warm and sunny days are conducive for the spread of the bug. The intensity of the attack may recede during the rainy season.

Source: The Hindu