Control of mites in tea plantations
MiTES ARE dry weather pest of tea plantations, appearing during winter.
Red spider mite( Oligonychus coffeae) is the predominant one that causes damage to crops.
Introduction of new planting materials, transportation of leaves from areas within and outside the district have contributed for the introduction and spread of the mites in the Nilgiris and South Indian gardens.
Pest intensity
At present the intensity and spread of the pest has assumed serious proportion threatening the viability and existence of the tea industry, particularly the small growers in the Nilgiris.
The nymphs and adults, colonise on the leaf surface, suck the juice from the leaves.
At advanced stage, the bushes present a burnt appearance. Infested plants recover late, after drought and pruning.
Roadside bushes due to accumulation of dust on the leaves serve as the breeding ground for the mites.
Some of the causes for mites in plantations are lack of shade, no proper drainage of water from fields, use of nitrogenous fertilizers, pesticides and fungicides.
The following schedule is recommended for the control and management of the mites during dry weather:
Foliar spray of 400ml of micronised sulphur (Microsul) and 250ml neem product(Azadirachtin) in 200 lit water per acre
Spraying verticillium and jaggery one kg each and 50ml soap oil within a week or 10 days after the first spray.
Care should be taken to cover the upper and lower surface of leaves.
Long term measures
Establish shade-temporary and permanent.
Optimise the soil pH with soil amendments such as dolomite/gypsum.
Liberal use of oilcakes is recommended.
Establish wind barrier in the boundaries and regulate/lop periodically.
L. MANIVEL
Vice President, OASIS
Coimbatore, Valparai
Tamil Nadu
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