Field day – cum – farmers training programme on “Management of palm invasive whitefly complex using entomopathogenic fungi, Simplicillium lanosoniveum and other IPM approaches” was conducted at St. BASBS, Bela on 21 September 2022. Shri. Abbas, Vice President, Badiadka Gram Panchayath, Kasaragod inaugurated the training programme. The programme was presided over by Sis. Marcillene, Principal, St. BASBS, Bela.

Dr. Vinayaka Hegde, Head, Crop Protection Division, ICAR - CPCRI in his introductory remarks, mentioned about the invasive whitefly species complex associated with coconut and the need for their management. Dr. Rajkumar, Scientist- Nematology and Dr. Prathibha V H, Scientist – Pathology delivered talks on ‘Integrated pest and nematode management in coconut’ and ‘Integrated disease management in coconut’, respectively. Dr. M. Sujithra, Scientist – Entomology, undertaken the field diagnostic visit for identifying the various insect pest symptoms including whiteflies and demonstrated the field application of entomopathogenic fungi, Simplicillium lanosoniveum (liquid formulation) for whitefly management. Besides, installing yellow sticky traps around palm trunks and release of parasitoids were also demonstrated. An exhibition stall displaying all crop protection technologies was also arranged to create awareness among the coconut farmers. More than 100 coconut and arecanut growing farmers attended the programme.

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Fig. View of farmer’s training programme on whitefly management

Fig. Field demonstration of entomopathogenic fungi, S. lanosoniveum (oil formulation) for whitefly management

Fig. Field diagnostic visit

 

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