Major pests of clove are:-
1.Stem borer: Sahyadrassus malabaricus
Symptoms of damage:
- The stem borer infests the main stem of young trees at the basal region.
- The larva of the pest girdles the stem and bores downward into it.
- The girdled portion and bore-hole is covered with a mat- like frass material.
- The infested trees wilt and succumb to the pest attack subsequently.
Management:
- Spray quinalphos 0.1% around the borehole and inject the same into the borehole after removing the frass.
- Swab the basal region of the main stem with carbaryl and keep the basins free of weeds
2.Scale insects:
- Many species of scale insects infest clove seedlings in the nursery and sometimes young plants in the field.
- The scale insects generally seen on clove include wax scale (Ceroplastes floridensis), shield scale (Pulvinaria psidii), nasked scale (Mycetaspis personata) and soft scale (Kilifia accuminata).
- The scales are generally seen clustered together on tender stems and lower surface of leaves
1.Black Scale: Saissetia nigra
Symptoms of damage:
- It infests tender leaves, shoots, and twigs.
- Sooty mould fungus is observed on leaves due to honeydew secretion.
Identification of pest:
- Female adults are elliptical, flattened and shiny black.
Management:
- Removal of affected leaves and branches will prevent the spread.
2.Masked scale: Mycetaspis personata
Symptoms of damage:
- Dome shaped and greyish brown scale will be seen on the undersurface of leaves, especially of young clove plants.
- The infested leaves become discoloured and completely yellowish and finally may fall down.
Identification of pest:
- Female adults are elliptical, flattened and black in colour.
3.Chilli thrips: Scirtothirps dorsalis
Symptoms of damage:
- The affected leaves show a pinkish discolouration.
- Flower shedding is also noticed
Management of sucking pests:
- Removal of affected leaves and branches will prevent the spread.
- Spray dimethoate or methyl demeton 2ml/lit.
Source-
- TamilNadu Agritech Portal
