20 Jan Integrated pest management of cashew stem and root borer
काजू के तने और जड़ छेदक का एकीकृत कीट प्रबंधन Stem and root borers, Neoplocaederus spp, Batocera rufomaculata (Cerambycidae: Coleoptera) are the major insect pests of cashew which is capable of killing the tree outrightly. There are three main species of stem borers were found to infest on cashew. The species Neoplocaederus ferrugineus, and N. obesus are recorded as primary pests while Batocera rufomaculata recorded as a secondary pest of cashew. In India, the percentage of infestation and extent of damage various across the regions. On an average, these borers kill about 5-10% of cashew yielding trees every year. In association with cashew stem and root borer, other secondary wood borers viz., Coptops aedificator, Aeolesthes holosericea, Glenea multiguttata, Euplatypus parallelus, and Belionota prasina were found aggravate the infestation. Symptoms of damage Presence of small bore holes at the collar region. Extrusion of frass (like coarse dust powder) through the holes at the collar region. Oozing or exudation of gum from the damaged portion at the base of cashew tree trunk. Grubs bore into the living tissue of bark and feed on the sub-epidermal and vascular tissues. Extensive tunneling in the stem and root region and the tissues are tunnelled in irregular fashion. As a result of damage the supply of water and nutrients is arrested by which the leaves turn yellow and...