Browsing by Author "Das, N.M."

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    Nature and Extent of Damage Caused by Spindle Bug of Arecanut, Carvalhoia Arecae Miller and China
    (2007-02) Jacob, S.A.; Das, N.M.; Kuriachen, P.I.
    The feeding suppressed the emergence of spindle leaf partly or fully depending on the period of occurrence of damage. Total suppression of spindle leaf emergence even choked further growth of the palm. Injury caused by oviposition was observed in detail for the first time. Characteristic "Pox marks" made on the rachis of the leaf and internal damage also were noted in detail for the first time. Histological observations of the leaf along the feeding marks showed that the bug resorted to lacerate and flush" feeding. Formation of water soaked areas soon after stylet insertion, continuance of plasmolysis after the removal of the insect from the feeding spot and later discolouration and collapse of cells indicated that the action of the saliva would have caused the injury. The bug affected the growth and vigour of transplanted seedlings. About 26 to 30% of the unprotected young palms up to the age of 5 years were seen withered and dead due to the infestation.