A severe outbreak of the black-headed caterpillar is causing distress among coconut growers in the northern parts of Sulur taluk in Tamil Nadu. The destructive pest is damaging plantations and jeopardizing yields in several villages. Farmers are calling for increased control measures from the horticulture department as the infestation continues to spread.
The outbreak initially surfaced in Mopperipalayam, where numerous coconut trees suffered extensive damage. Concerns are rising as the pest is now advancing into neighboring villages like Kaduvettipalayam, Kittampalayam, and Paduvampalli, aided by the prevailing north and easterly winds. Growers highlighted that the black-headed caterpillar, scientifically known as Opisina arenosella, is one of the most harmful pests affecting coconut palms.
As the infestation escalates, affected fronds dry up, leaf production decreases, and coconut yield plunges significantly, leading to substantial losses for farmers. Observations in the affected villages reveal dried and discolored fronds, along with insect excreta and silken webs on the underside of leaves, indicating a widespread infestation. Farmers are urgently requesting the horticulture department’s intervention to prevent further spread and irreversible damage to plantations.
Horticulture department officials are advising farmers to implement an integrated pest management strategy to curb the outbreak. They recommend the pruning and burning of severely infested fronds to eliminate larvae and pupae, halting the pest’s multiplication. Additionally, officials propose biological control through the release of parasitic wasps, particularly Bracon species, which naturally prey on the caterpillars.
To enhance the effectiveness of parasitoids, officials suggest releasing them from the western side of plantations during cooler hours of the day, considering the prevailing wind direction. Control measures include the installation of one light trap per acre between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. to attract and eliminate adult moths before egg-laying, with chemical control advised only in severe cases. Targeted spraying on silken webs beneath fronds using approved insecticides like Dichlorvos or formulations containing Malathion, Quinalphos, or Phosphamidon at prescribed dosages is recommended.
As a precautionary step, farmers within a three-kilometer radius of affected villages are advised to proactively release parasitoids to minimize the risk of further infestation spread.
