“TELENOMOUS” -A WAY TO DESTROY SENA DALAMBUWA AT LAST

Ateam of researchers of the Gannoruwa Agricultural Research and Development Institute announced that they had introduced a parasite that preys on the Fall Army Worm (Sena Dalambuwa) that caused havoc in the agricultural sector in the past, destroying maize cultivation and other crops in several districts.

Asst.director of the Institute Dr. K.A.N.P Bandara said it was the first time a permanent remedy had been found that preyed on the Fall Army Worm. He

said the parasite, identified as “Telenomous,” feeds on eggs of the Fall Army Worm. He said the effectiveness of the parasite was still being tested in their laboratory.

As an initial step the parasite was released in Navaneliya tract of paddy fields in Ridimaliyedda by the researchers.

“The Fall Army Worm destroyed maize cultivations in several districts in the country and cultural officers and the maize cultivators used a range of chemicals and other methods to bring it under control, but to no avail. However, we continued research to find an effective method to control or destroy the pest. The parasite we have found belongs to a species of hornets that destroy the eggs of the Sena Dalambuwa. However, it should be stressed that if this biological control method is being used, cultivators should refrain from using agro-chemicals to control the pests as well,” he said.

Uva Province Director of Agriculture Mrs. A.M.D. Atapattu, Asst. Director Mahiyangana Division Nilantha Sarath Kumara, several Agricultural Instructors and a large number of farmers were present to witness the historic release of the ‘Telenomous’ parasite.