Start this week with the application of 40g of carbofuran to control the nematodes. Digging and hand weeding should be done to remove the off-type plants. As the critical growth stage starts, the banana crop needs to be examined carefully.
Hard scale, Aspidiotus destructor
Symptoms of damage
- Grubs bore into the rhizome and cause death of the plant
- Presence of dark coloured tunnels in the rhizomes.
- Death of unopened pipe, withering of outer leaves
Banana Scale
Identification of pest
- Nymph – Oval translucent, Yellowish brown with waxy coating.
- Adult – Female circular, semi transparent and pale brown.
Adult and crawlers
Management
- Collect and destroy the affected plant parts
- Spray application of monocrotophos 36 WSC 0.04%
- Field release of coccinelid predators like Chilocorus nigritus, Symnus coccivora
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