Leaf-eating caterpillar (Opisina arenosella)-induced yield loss in coconut palm
Loading...
Date
2010
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
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.
Description
Keywords
coconut, leaf-eating caterpillar, Opisina arenosella, yield loss assessment
Citation
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science Vol. 30, No. 3, pp. 132–137, 2010