News
Red Beetle threatens coconut cultivation
View(s):Coconut plantation owners have raised the alarm over the rapid spread of a disease via the Red Beetle which targets the young coconut plants. The Karuwelagaswewa area in the Putalam District, is badly affected.
Story and pix by Jayaratne Wickremarachchi, Karuwelagaswewa
Coconut nurseries in particular are adversely affected as the young plants possessing less resistance, are easily susceptible to the disease.
The beetle bores into the trunk where it lays its eggs and the disease is spread by the larvae which penetrate the trunk of the tree and reach the palms.
Owners and planters have called on the authorities to take urgent steps to arrest the spread of the disease.
To tackle this situation, the Coconut Cultivation Board at Karuwelagaswewa is conducting awareness programmes to educate villagers and plantation owners on steps to be taken to combat the spread of the disease.
With coconut being a major export agricultural crop, discussions are being held to prevent the spread of the disease to other districts.
Meanwhile the Cabinet this week approved a proposal to prevent spread of the Coconut Leaf Wilt Disease in the Weligama area. A sum Rs 213 million has been allocated for a three-year programme.
The pretty but deadly Red Beetle
The beetle bores into the trunk of young plants where it lays its eggs
Young plants unable to resist the disease soon succumb to it
One method of combating the menace is pouring insecticides into the holes the beetle has bored
The larvae eat their way through the trunk to reach the fronds
A simple trap to catch the beetle before it attacks the plant
An officer of the Coconut Cultivation Board instructs villagers on methods to combat the menace