NEW COCONUT PEST THREATENS KERALA

NEW COCONUT PEST

 THREATENS KERALA

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.“With three daily flights connecting Thiruvananthapuram to the Maldives, the risk of transmission is very high,” says T.V. Sajeev, Entomologist and Head, Forest Health division, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi. “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 tens of thousands of palms across the State.It would be difficult to eradicate it,” said Dr. SajeevJim Thomas, Associate Director of Research, Kerala Agricultural University said a general alert had been issued to agricultural scientists to keep a sharp look out for the pest.“Though quarantine facilities are available at points of entry, it will be difficult to screen bulk transport and hand baggage.Travellers can carry the eggs, larvae or adult beetles on their bodies,” said Prof. Thomas.

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.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. Millions of palms have been damaged and substantial yield loss has been reported from the affected countries.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.

Prof. John Kurakar