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Leaf-eating caterpillar (Opisina arenosella)-induced yield loss in coconut palm

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 September 2010

Chandrika Mohan ,
C.P. Radhakrishnan Nair ,
C. Kesavan Nampoothiri  and
P. Rajan
Chandrika Mohan*
Affiliation:
Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Regional Station, Krishnapuram Post, Kayamkulam690 533, Kerala, India
C.P. Radhakrishnan Nair
Affiliation:
Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Regional Station, Krishnapuram Post, Kayamkulam690 533, Kerala, India
C. Kesavan Nampoothiri
Affiliation:
Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Regional Station, Krishnapuram Post, Kayamkulam690 533, Kerala, India
P. Rajan
Affiliation:
Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Regional Station, Krishnapuram Post, Kayamkulam690 533, Kerala, India
*
*E-mail: chandrikamohan9@rediffmail.com
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Abstract

Coconut is one of the major crops of commercial importance among the palms. The leaf-eating caterpillar Opisina arenosella Walker is the most important lepidopteran pest of coconut palm in India and Sri Lanka. Assessment of crop loss is essential for a realistic planning for research and developmental policies. Information on the yield loss in coconut due to O. arenosella attack is very meagre. In the present study, results of investigations carried out on leaf-eating caterpillar-induced yield loss in coconut palms in Kerala, India, for a period of 4 years (2002–2005) are presented. A maximum crop loss of 45.4% in terms of nut yield was recorded from infested palms in the succeeding year of severe pest incidence. The infested palms also showed reduction in bunch and leaf production to the tune of 21.0 and 13.8%, respectively. The pest-attacked palms regained their normal yield potential by the fourth year after heavy pest infestation.

Keywords

coconutleaf-eating caterpillarOpisina arenosellayield loss assessment
Type
Research Paper
Information
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science , Volume 30 , Issue 3 , September 2010 , pp. 132 - 137
Copyright
Copyright © ICIPE 2010

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