Control of Papaya Mealybug in Cassava at Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu: A Successful Model of Research- Extension- Farmers Linkage

Authors

  • C Sharmila Bharathi Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Veterinary College and Research Institute Campus, Namakkal 637 002, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Mohan B Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Veterinary College and Research Institute Campus, Namakkal 637 002, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Alagudurai S Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Veterinary College and Research Institute Campus, Namakkal 637 002, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Sangeetha C Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Veterinary College and Research Institute Campus, Namakkal 637 002, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Gohila G Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Veterinary College and Research Institute Campus, Namakkal 637 002, Tamil Nadu, India

Keywords:

Cassava, papaya mealybug, parasitoid, mass multiplication, research-extension- farmers linkage

Abstract

Ninety five per cent of the area under cassava in Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu, was severely affected  by the papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) during 2010-2012. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK),  Namakkal of the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Science University (TANUVAS) established alaboratory for the mass multiplication of the parasitoid (Acerophagus papayae) for the control of  papaya mealybug during January 2011 under the scheme sponsored by Agricultural Technology and  Management Agency (ATMA), Namakkal. The parasitoid was successfully mass multiplied in thelaboratory of the KVK on Paracoccus marginatus colonies by three methods (i) on sprouted potato  tubers (ii) on cassava leaves and (iii) on papaya leaves and fruits. Of the three methods, the second  instar papaya mealybug infested cassava leaves were found to be very suitable for intensive productionof parasitoid in a short period of time. The parasitoids were inoculated on mealy bug infested (second  instar larvae) cassava leaves brought by farmers of Namakkal in white plastic boxes and incubated for  15.20 days. The hatched parasitoids were distributed to the farmers with the help of officials from  the Department of Horticulture, Namakkal. A total number of 4,44,560 parasitoids were supplied to  2437 farmers covering 3743.2 ha of cassava field. Control of mealybug infestation was noticed from  45 days after the release of parasitoid and complete eradication of the pest could be achieved by the  end of six months. There was no mealybug incidence by 2014. Nearly 10 . 15% of parasitoids were  found in non host plants.

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Published

2015-01-15

How to Cite

Sharmila Bharathi, C., B, M., S, A., C, S., & G, G. (2015). Control of Papaya Mealybug in Cassava at Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu: A Successful Model of Research- Extension- Farmers Linkage. JOURNAL OF ROOT CROPS, 40(1), 93–98. Retrieved from https://ojs338.isrc.in/index.php/jrc/article/view/226

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