KERALA PALMS UNDER ATTACK
Phylum : Arthropoda
Class : Insecta
Order : Coleoptera
Family : Chrysomelidae
Subfamily : Hispinae
Genus : Brontispa
Species : Brontispa longissima
Scientists at research institutions across the State are constantly on the alert against the coconut leaf beetle, an invasive pest that has ravaged the crop in large tracts across several neighbouring countries. With improved air and sea connectivity with the Maldives, a hotspot of the pest, Kerala is considered a frontline State in the battle against the Coconut Leaf Beetle (Brontispa longissima).
A native of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, the beetle has spread to Australia, Malaysia, the Pacific islands, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar, China and the Maldives. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has classified it as a very destructive pest posing an immediate threat for States like Kerala.
The larvae and adults of the beetle feed on the soft tissues of the young leaves, resulting in stunted growth of the tree and reduced nut production. Once the pest establishes a beachhead in Kerala, it could blight the coconut crop, triggering a crisis worse than the dreaded 'Mandari' (Eriophyid mite) that had destroyed thousands of palms across the State.
According to a fact sheet released by the Asia- Pacific Forest Invasive Species Network (APFISN), countries such as India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, major coconut growers, are at high risk because neighbouring countries including Myanmar and Maldives are already infested with Brontispa longissima. Travellers can carry the eggs, larvae or adult beetles on their bodies.
Shipments of ornamental palms from infested countries have been the main source of spread within the Asia Pacific region. APFISN has recommended the adoption of strict quarantine measures to control the import of plant materials, soil and organic material from infested countries. So, a general alert had been issued to agricultural scientists to keep a sharp look out.
News Courtesy: http://www.thehindu.com
Phylum : ArthropodaClass : Insecta
Order : Coleoptera
Family : Chrysomelidae
Subfamily : Hispinae
Genus : Brontispa
Species : Brontispa longissima
Scientists at research institutions across the State are constantly on the alert against the coconut leaf beetle, an invasive pest that has ravaged the crop in large tracts across several neighbouring countries. With improved air and sea connectivity with the Maldives, a hotspot of the pest, Kerala is considered a frontline State in the battle against the Coconut Leaf Beetle (Brontispa longissima).
A native of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, the beetle has spread to Australia, Malaysia, the Pacific islands, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar, China and the Maldives. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has classified it as a very destructive pest posing an immediate threat for States like Kerala.
The larvae and adults of the beetle feed on the soft tissues of the young leaves, resulting in stunted growth of the tree and reduced nut production. Once the pest establishes a beachhead in Kerala, it could blight the coconut crop, triggering a crisis worse than the dreaded 'Mandari' (Eriophyid mite) that had destroyed thousands of palms across the State.
According to a fact sheet released by the Asia- Pacific Forest Invasive Species Network (APFISN), countries such as India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, major coconut growers, are at high risk because neighbouring countries including Myanmar and Maldives are already infested with Brontispa longissima. Travellers can carry the eggs, larvae or adult beetles on their bodies.
Shipments of ornamental palms from infested countries have been the main source of spread within the Asia Pacific region. APFISN has recommended the adoption of strict quarantine measures to control the import of plant materials, soil and organic material from infested countries. So, a general alert had been issued to agricultural scientists to keep a sharp look out.
News Courtesy: http://www.thehindu.com
No comments:
Post a Comment