Evaluation of Indigenous (Local) Management Practices against Root Grub in Areca Nut Ecosystem

• Published in: Environment and ecology Vol. 34; no. 2A; pp. 773 - 777
• Main Authors: Shabbir, K, Shivanna, B K, Abdulkhadar, B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.2016
• ISSN: 0970-0420

Root grubs are widely distributed and these beetles are associated with majority of the crops and cause economic losses while in other cases they pose potential threat. The field experiment was conducted in arecanut garden during 2012-2013. In the present study digging done at 15 days interval during September 2012 at Kanagodu areca gardens indicated 94.73% reduction. Similarly at Jabagodu gardens indicated 88% reduction of grubs and at Bheemanakatte areca gardens showed 91.66% reduction of grubs. Mechanical digging and removal of larvae coupled with application of insecticides (chlorpyriphos) was the best method in reducing the grub population followed by areca root grub digging of chemical treated palms showed less number of grubs as compared to untreated palms. Application of gravelly soil (garchumannu) around the base of areca palm helped to avoid root grub incidence.