Hot weather brings bad news of white fly infestation in coconut trees
Agriculture officials introduce biological control agent to counter it
Agrarian authorities have introduced a biological control agent to curb white fly infestations in coconut trees, which have been made worse by the prevailing heat that creates a conducive environment for the infestation.
The biological control agent, Encarsia guadeloupe, one of the parasitoid species, was applied in both forms (live and eggs) to small scale coconut farms as a pilot project in several regions of the Northern Province.
Thevarajah Vaigunthan, Regional Head of the Coconut Cultivation Board (North), told the Sunday Times that the ongoing severe weather conditions in the province were making it more challenging to control the infestation.
“We have received several complaints from farmers in Jaffna, Kilinochci, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, and Mannar in recent weeks requesting that we recommend solutions for this disease. We have recommended foliar spraying mixed with neem and Surf Excel,” Mr. Vaigunthan said.
“Since the expected monsoon rains are delayed, controlling the infestation has become more challenging. If there’s intermittent rain, these flies will be washed away," he said.
In addition to the northern province, the white fly infestation is prevalent on coconut farms in Kurunegala, Puttalam, and Negombo.
The Coconut Growers’
Association of Sri Lanka has also stepped up awareness campaigns among its members and small scale farmers on methods to arrest the situation.
The organisation's secretary, Shakila Wijeratne, said several awareness campaigns were launched in Kurunegala, Negombo, and Puttalam areas to educate the farmers on the impact of this infestation and the potential loss of revenue in the long term.