RODENTS

Classification

Main Host: Coconut

Damage:

The termites cause damage to both the seedlings and adult palms. The coconut seedlings are attacked either through the base of the seed nut or at the collar region resulting in wilting and death of the seedling. Seedlings raised in lateritic soils are more prone to infestation by termites. In adult palms the infestation is confined to bark and crown region.

Management :

Nursery: Drench the nursery with 0.05% chlorpyriphos twice at 20 – 25 days interval

Adult palms: Swabbing the affected portion of the trunk with 0.05 % chlorpyriphos solution.