A new enemy of coconut in India.
Kurian C., Abraham V. A., Koya A.
Author Affiliation: Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Regional Station, Kayangulam, India.
Indian Farming 27 : 11-12
Abstract : A coreid that has caused characteristic damage to coconut in the Indian State of Kerala since 1961 has been identified as Paradasynus sp. Identical coreids were reported damaging cashew, rubber, guava, mango, tapioca and other plants. In the laboratory, adults and nymphs fed on female flowers and immature nuts of coconut, the feeding punctures just below the perianth developing into necrotic lesions which left permanent furrows and crinkles, with gummosis. In a field survey in Kerala, the proportion of palms infested averaged 74%. The coreid has also been reported from Karnataka. The eggs are laid on or near to the inflorescence and hatch in 8-10 days; there are 5 nymphal instars, nymphal development occupying 30 days, and adults live for 50 days. It is recommended from preliminary field tests that 0.1% BHC or 0.05% carbaryl should be applied in sprays at bimonthly intervals to the inflorescences, coconut bunches, and leaf axils, care being taken to avoid treatment when the flowers are open for pollination. For comparative purposes, notes are given on the biology, injuriousness and control of 3 other coreids (Amblypelta cocophaga China, A. lutescens (Dist.) and Pseudotheraptus wayi Brown) that infest coconut in other parts of the world.