Mangaluru: The team of scientists from the stolen regional station (CPCRI) ICAR-Central plantation, vittal, has identified new pests that infiltrate the arecanut kernel in the field of agriculture.
During ordinary pest and disease supervision program, unusual infestations were observed in young gardens located in the village of MANDAJA SULLIA and Kaniyoor Village Kadaba Taluk.
Systematic diagnosis confirmed the Xylosandrus Crassusculus attack, Scolytid beetle measuring 2.5-2.8 mm.
Adult female beetles were boring husk by making a gallery of 1.06-2.39 mm, and entering the kernel.
It feeds internal content, and breeds in the gallery.
Infestations can be identified based on holes made by insects, and extrusion noodles frass from a bored hole.
Scientists also found a symbiotic association of fungus-ambrosiella roeperi – with pests.
Interestingly, this mushroom serves as a source of food rich in nutrients for larvae and adults.
Mushrooms will cause black coloring kernel networks, and the growth of grayish mushroom colonies.
This will reduce the weight of the bean, and influence the storage and quality period that can be marketed.
This is the first report of Xylosandrus CrassiSculus, Scolytid beetles that affect the arecanut kernel, and the Ambrosiella Roeperi symbiotic association, at the global level.
It was reported by the ICAR-CPCRI team, led by Shivaji Thube, ThavapraRasa Pandian and Bhavishya.
The work was published in international journals, ‘insects’.
“Our scientists have identified and reported Arecanut’s new pests, who infilted the kernel.
Furthermore, management uses an environmentally friendly strategy to be studied,” said Director, CPRI Kasaragod, Anitha Karun.
“This is an interesting discovery.
At this time it wasn’t too serious.
However , it affects the storage and quality life that can be marketed, which is a concern.
We are developing a trap for his management, “Shivaji Thube said.