FARMER'S NOTEBOOK
Root mealy bugs: a major pest of black pepper
M.J. PRABU
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The infestation is generally severe during the post monsoon
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Photo: IISR
FATAL INFESTATION: The infestation (white dots) is often noticed in nursery plants.
MEALY BUGS are major insect pests of black pepper plantations in India.
Twelve species of mealy bugs infesting black pepper have been identified by researchers at the Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Marikunnu, Kozhikode. Among them the root mealy bugs are the most severe.
Black pepper is known as Karumilagu in Tamil, Kalimirch in Hindi, Karumulaku in Malayalam, Kare menasu in Kannada and Mriyale tige in Telugu.
The root mealy bug affects the aerial parts of the black pepper vines such as the tender shoots, leaves and berries, according to Dr. S. Devasahayam, Principal Scientist of the Institute.
Areas under infestation
The pest infestation is becoming increasingly severe in recent years, especially at higher altitudes of Wayanad district in Kerala and Kodagu district in Karnataka.
The infestation is generally greater during the post monsoon season and lesser during summer months.
Infestation of root mealy bugs leads to yellowing, wilting of leaves and defoliation of younger vines, which succumb to the pest attack during the course of 2 - 3 years of planting.
The infestation is often noticed on nursery plants and also on plants of all ages in the field.
Fatal attack
Many of the vines infested by the bugs are often attacked by a fungal pathogen called Phytophthora capsici and plant parasitic nematodes such as Meloidogyne incognita and Radopholus similes, which cause the death of the vines. Detailing on the bug characteristics, Dr. Devasahayam said, "the bugs are oval, soft-bodied insects covered with white waxy filaments. It's life cycle is completed in about 25 days."
Other infested crops
"Apart from black pepper the bugs also infest coffee and many weed species found commonly growing in and around black pepper gardens," he said.
The pest is generally observed in the weeds during summer. Ants play an important role in the spread of the pest in the field. Drenching the affected vines with about 0.075 per cent chlorpyriphos is effective in controlling the pest infestation.
If the infestation persists, then drenching may have to be repeated after 20 to 30 days, according to Dr. Devasahayam.
"Adequate care should be taken to ensure that the insecticide solution percolates down to the roots while drenching the vines," he explained.
Farmers should not transplant infested nursery plants in the field and mild infestations should be controlled in the nursery itself. Ploughing the interspaces in black pepper gardens and removal of weeds also help in lowering the level of pest population.
Several cultural methods, microbial pathogens, plant extracts, organic products and newer insecticides are being evaluated by researchers at the Institute to develop eco-friendly management practices against root mealy bugs, according to Dr. Devasahayam.
For more information readers can contact the Dr. S. Devasahayam, Principal Scientist, Indian Institute of Spices Research, P.O. Marikunnu, Kozhikode 673012, phone: 0495 - 2731410.
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