Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 03 March 2025
In response to the growing threat of pest infestations, particularly Rugose Spiraling Whitefly and Mealy Bug in coconut, arecanut, and other fruit crops, the Agriculture Department has taken proactive steps to enhance the expertise of its officers. Under the leadership of Secretary (Agriculture) Ms. Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, an initiative has been launched to equip officials with advanced knowledge in pest identification and management to ensure effective field-level implementation of control measures.
As part of this initiative, a virtual training session on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques for Rugose Spiraling Whitefly and Mealy Bug was recently organized. Experts from Kerala Agricultural University and ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI) conducted the session for Agriculture Officers, extension functionaries, and Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) staff.
Dr. Manichellapan, Dean at the College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, and Mr. Mohit, Subject Matter Specialist from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sippighat, led the training through PowerPoint presentations.
Dr. Manichellapan provided a comprehensive overview of the identification and management of Rugose Spiraling Whitefly and Mealy Bug infestations. He highlighted various species of whiteflies and stressed the importance of control measures, including cultural and biological methods. He also underscored the role of biocontrol agents, the periodic release of parasitoids, and the use of entomopathogenic fungi. Additionally, he recommended early-stage pest control solutions such as soap solutions, Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE), and tobacco decoction.
Mr. Mohit elaborated on cultural, mechanical, and biological strategies to manage Spiraling Whitefly infestations, offering practical insights into sustainable pest control. Furthermore, Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist & Head of KVK, provided field-oriented strategies that can be directly implemented by farmers.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, where extension functionaries from different zones addressed their concerns and sought expert advice on pest management. The initiative served as a crucial knowledge-sharing platform, empowering agricultural officials with enhanced skills to combat pest infestations effectively.