Sapota: Aesa Based Ipm Package

AESA BASED IPM Package
SAPOTA
Balaji Scan Pvt. Ltd., Tel : 040-2330 3424
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Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Important Natural Enemies of Sapota Insect Pests
Parasitoids Plants Suitable for Ecological Engineering in

Sapota Orchard
Coccophagus cowperi Parasitic wasp

Lablab bean Cowpea Carrot
Fopios arisanus Diachasmimorpha kraussi

Sunflower Buckwheat Alfalfa
Predators
Maize Mustard French bean

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Hover fly Ladybird beetle
Marigold Coriander Chrysanthemum

Geocoris spp. Lacewing Big-eyed bug
The AESA based IPM – Sapota, was compiled by the NIPHM working group under the Chairmanship of Dr.
Satyagopal Korlapati, IAS, DG, NIPHM, and guidance of Shri. Utpal Kumar Singh, IAS. JS (PP). The package was
developed taking into account the advice of experts listed below on various occasions before finalization.
NIPHM Working Group:

Chairman : Dr. Satyagopal Korlapati, IAS, Director General
Vice-Chairmen : Dr. S. N. Sushil, Plant Protection Advisor
: Dr. P. Jeyakumar, Director (PHM)
Core Members:
1. Er. G. Shankar, Joint Director (PHE), Pesticide Application Techniques Expertise.
2. Dr. O. P. Sharma, Joint Director (A & AM), Agronomy Expertise.
3. Dr. Dhana Raj Boina, Assistant Director (PHM), Entomology Expertise.
4. Dr. Satish Kumar Sain, Assistant Director (PHM), Pathology Expertise.
5. Dr. M. Narsi Reddy Assistant Scientific Officer (PHM), Entomology Expertise.
Contributions by DPPQ&S Experts:

1. Shri Ram Asre, Additional Plant Protection Advisor (IPM)
2. Shri R. Murali, Deputy Director (Entomology Expertise)
3. Dr. Sanjay Arya, Deputy Director (Plant Pathology)
4. Dr. Subhash Kumar, Deputy Director (Weed Science)
Contributions by External Experts:

1. The Director, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta lake Post Bangalore-560089
2. Dr. V. K. Kalra, HOD (Entomology), CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar- 125004, Haryana
3. Director of Research, CSK, Himachal Pradesh Krishi, Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur.
4. Director of Research, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli-415712,Dist-Ratnagiri.
5. Directorate of Experiment Station, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology Pantnagar-263145,
Dist. Udham singh Nagar (Uttarakhand, India)
6. Dr. S. K. Panda, Professor & Head, Department of Entamology, College of Agriculture, Odhisha University
of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar-751003
7. Dr. K. C. Sahu, Professor & Head, Department of Plant pathology, College of Agriculture, Odhisha University
of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar-751003
8. Dr. S.N. Mohapatra, Professor & Head, Department of Nematology, College of Agriculture, Odhisha
University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar-751003
9. Dr. Jayalaxmi Ganguli, Asst. Professor (Entomology), IGKV, Raipur (CG) 492 012
10. Dr. Narendra Lakpale, Asst. Professor, (Plant Pathology), IGKV, Raipur (CG) 492 012.
Citation Satyagopal, K., S.N. Sushil, P. Jeyakumar, G. Shankar, O.P. Sharma,
S.K. Sain, D.R. Boina, M.N. Reddy, Ram Asre, R. Murali, Sanjay Arya,
Subhash Kumar, V.K. Kalra, S.K. Panda, K.C. Sahu, S.N. Mohapatra,
Jayalaxmi Ganguli and Narendra Lakpale. 2015. AESA based IPM
package for Sapota. pp 37.
Front cover picture Model AESA chart for Sapota
Back cover picture Sapota Orchard
Published by National Institute of Plant Health Management, Rajendranagar,

Hyderabad – 500 030
Copies: 1,000; March, 2015

For internal circulation only. Not for sale.
Contact APPA - IPM, Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage,

CGO Complex, NH IV, Faridabad, Haryana - 121 001.
Tel : 0129 2413020, e-mail: [email protected]
Printed at Balaji Scan Pvt. Ltd.,

A.C. Guards, Hyderabad.
Tel : 040-23303424
e-mail: [email protected]
www.balajiscan.com
अपर सचिव Avinash K Srivastava
Additional Secretary
भारत सरकार Government of India
कृ षि मं त्रालय Ministry of Agriculture
(कृ षि एवं सहकािरता विभाग) (Department of Agriculture & Cooperation)
कृ षि भवन, नई िदल्ली - 110001 Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi - 110 001
FOREWORD
Intensive agricultural practices relying heavily on chemical pesticides are a major cause of wide spread ecological
imbalances resulting in serious problems of insecticide resistance, pest resurgence and pesticide residues. There
is a growing awareness world over on the need for promoting environmentally sustainable agriculture practices.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a globally accepted strategy for promoting sustainable agriculture. During
last century, IPM relied substantially on economic threshold level and chemical pesticides driven approaches.
However, since the late 1990s there is conscious shift to more ecologically sustainable Agro-Eco System Analysis
(AESA) based IPM strategies. The AESA based IPM focuses on the relationship among various components of
an agro-ecosystem with special focus on pest-defender dynamics, innate abilities of plant to compensate for
the damages caused by the pests and the influence of abiotic factors on pest buildup. In addition, Ecological
Engineering for pest management - a new paradigm to enhance the natural enemies of pests in an agro-
ecosystem is being considered as an important strategy. The ecological approach stresses the need for relying on
bio intensive strategies prior to use of chemical pesticides.
Sincere efforts have been made by resource personnel to incorporate ecologically based principles and field
proven technologies for guidance of the extension officers to educate, motivate and guide the growers to adopt
AESA based IPM strategies, which are environmentally sustainable. I hope that the AESA based IPM packages
will be relied upon by various stakeholders relating to Central and State government functionaries involved in
extension and Scientists of SAUs and ICAR institutions in their endeavour to promote environmentally sustainable
agriculture practices.
Date : 6.3.2014 (Avinash K. Srivastava)

सं युक्त सचिव
Joint Secretary
भारत सरकार Government of India
कृ षि मं त्रालय Ministry of Agriculture
(कृ षि एवं सहकािरता विभाग) (Department of Agriculture & Cooperation)
कृ षि भवन, नई िदल्ली - 110001 Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi - 110001
FOREWORD
IPM as a holistic approach of crop protection based on the integration of multiple strategies viz., cultural, physical,
mechanical, biological, botanical and chemical. Over the years IPM underwent several changes, shifting its focus
from damage boundary, economic injury to economic threshold. Currently most stake holders rely upon economic
threshold levels (ETL) and tend to apply chemical pesticides at the first instance in the event of a pest attack,
through Government of India has advocated need based and judicious application of chemicals. This approach
is likely to cause adverse effects on agro-ecosystems and increase the cost of agricultural production due to
problems of pest resurgence, insecticide resistance and sustainability.
During the late 90s FAO started advocating Agro-Ecosystem Analysis (AESA) based IPM. Experience in
different countries have sine show that AESA, which takes into account ecological principles and relies on the
balance that is maintained by biotic factors in an ecosystem has also resulted in reduction in cost of production
and increase in yields. AESA based IPM also takes into account the need for active participation of farmers and
promotes experiential learning and discovery based decision making by farmers. AESA based IPM in conjunction
with ecological engineering for pest management promotes bio-intensive strategies as against current chemical
intensive approaches, while retaining the option to apply chemical pesticides judiciously as a measure of last
resort.
The resource persons of NIPHM and DPPQ&S have made sincere efforts in revising IPM packages
for different crops by incorporating agro-ecosystem analysis, ecological engineering, pesticide application
techniques and other IPM options with the active cooperation of crop based plant protection scientists working
in state Agricultural Universities and ICAR institutions. I hope this IPM package will serve as a ready reference for
extension functionaries of Central / State Governments, NGOs and progressive farmers in adopting sustainable
plant protection strategies by minimizing the dependence on chemical pesticides.
(Utpal Kumar Singh)

National Institute of Plant Health Management
Department of Agriculture & Cooperation
Ministry of Agriculture
Government of India
Dr. K. SATYAGOPAL, IAS

Director General Rajendranagar
Telephone : +91-40-24015346, Hyderabad-500030
E-mail : [email protected] http://niphm.gov.in
Tele-Fax : +91-40-24015346
PREFACE
Need for environmentally sustainable agricultural practices is recognised worldwide in view of the wide spread
ecological imbalances caused by highly intensive agricultural systems. In order to address the adverse impacts
of chemical pesticides on agro-ecosystems, Integrated Pest Management has evolved further from ETL based
approach to Agro-ecosystem Analysis based Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
In AESA based IPM the whole agro-ecosystem, plant health at different stages, built-in-compensation
abilities of the plant, pest and defender population dynamics, soil conditions, climatic factors and farmers’
past experience are considered. In AESA, informed decisions are taken by farmers after field observation , AESA
chart preparation followed by group discussion and decision making. Insect zoo is created to enable the farmer
understand predation of pests by Natural Enemies. AESA based PHM also results in reduction of chemical pesticide
usage and conserves the agro-ecosystems.
Ecological Engineering for Pest Management, a new paradigm, is gaining acceptance as a strategy for
promoting Biointensive Integrated Pest Management. Ecological Engineering for Pest Management relies on
cultural practices to effect habitat manipulation and enhance biological control. The strategies focus on pest
management both below ground and above ground. There is growing need to integrate AESA based IPM and
principles of ecological engineering for pest management.
There is a rising public concern about the potential adverse effects of chemical pesticides on the human
health, environment and biodiversity. The intensity of these negative externalities, through cannot be eliminated
altogether, can be minimized through development, dissemination and promotion of sustainable biointensive
approaches.
Directorate of Plant Protection Quarantine and Storage (DPPQ&S), has developed IPM package of practices
during 2001 and 2002. These packages are currently providing guidance to the Extension Officers in transferring
IPM strategies to farmers. These IPM package of practices, have been revised incorporating the principles of AESA
based IPM in detail and also the concept of Ecological Engineering for Pest Management. It is hoped that the
suggested practices, which aim at enhancing biodiversity, biointensive strategies for pest management and
promotion of plant health, will enable the farmers to take informed decisions based on experiential learning and
it will also result in use of chemical pesticides only as a last resort & in a safe and judicious manner.
(K. SATYAGOPAL)
Contents
Sapota-Plant description................................................................................................................................... 1
I. Pests ..................................................................................................................................................... 1
A. Pests of National Significance.......................................................................................................... 1
1. Insect pests............................................................................................................................... 1
2. Diseases..................................................................................................................................... 2
3. Weeds........................................................................................................................................ 2
B. Pests of Regional Significance.......................................................................................................... 2
1. Insect pest................................................................................................................................... 2
2. Diseases...................................................................................................................................... 2
II. Agro-Ecosystem Analysis based Integrated Pest Management (IPM)................................................. 3
A. AESA................................................................................................................................................... 3
B. Field scouting.................................................................................................................................... 8
C. Surveillance through pheromone trap catches.............................................................................. 9
D. Yellow pan water/ sticky traps ......................................................................................................... 9
E. Light trap........................................................................................................................................... 9
III. Ecological engineering for pest management...................................................................................... 10
IV. Resistant/tolerant varieties..................................................................................................................... 13
V. Crop stage-wise IPM................................................................................................................................ 13
VI. Insecticide resistance and its management........................................................................................... 18
VII. Nutritional deficiencies........................................................................................................................... 19
VIII. Common weeds........................................................................................................................................ 21
IX. Description of insect pests...................................................................................................................... 22
X. Description of diseases............................................................................................................................ 29
XI. Safety measures....................................................................................................................................... 32
A. At the time of harvest....................................................................................................................... 32
B. During post-harvest storage............................................................................................................ 32
XII. Do’s and Don’ts in IPM............................................................................................................................. 33
XIII. Basic precautions in pesticide usage...................................................................................................... 34
XIV. Pesticide application techniques............................................................................................................ 35
XV. Operational, calibration and maintenance guidelines in brief............................................................ 36
XVI. References................................................................................................................................................ 37
AESA based IPM – Sapota
AESA BASED IPM PACKAGE FOR SAPOTA

Sapota-Plant description:
Sapota [Manilkara zapota (L.) Royen; Family: Sapotaceae] commonly known as the sapodilla, is a long-lived,
evergreen tree native to southern Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Sapodilla can grow to more than
30 m tall with an average trunk diameter of 1.5 m. The average height of cultivated specimens, however, is usually
between 9 and 15 m with a trunk diameter not exceeding 50 cm. It is wind-resistant and the bark is rich in a white,
gummy latex called chicle. The ornamental leaves are medium green and glossy. They are alternate, elliptic to
ovate, 7–15 cm long, with an entire margin. The white flowers are inconspicuous and bell-like, with a six-lobed
corolla. An unripe fruit has a firm outer skin and when picked, releases white chicle from its stem. A fully ripened
fruit has saggy skin and does not release chicle when picked. The fruit is a large ellipsoid berry, normally 4–8 but
up to 15 cm in diameter, containing two to five seeds. Inside, its flesh ranges from a pale yellow to an earthy brown
color with a grainy texture akin to that of a well-ripened pear. The seeds are black and resemble beans, with a hook
at one end that can catch in the throat if swallowed.
I. PESTS
A. Pests of National Significance:
1. Insect pests
1.1 Leaf webber: Nephopteryx eugraphella Ragonot (Lepidoptera : Pyralidae)
1.2 Green scale: Coccus viridis Green (Hemiptera: Coccidae)
1.3 Fruit fly: Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), B. zonata (Saunders) (Tephritidae: Diptera)
1.4 Bud borer: Anarsia achrasella Latreille (Lepidoptera: Gelechidae)
1.5 Sapota seed borer: Trymalitis margarias Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
1.6 Bud worm: Anarsia epotias Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
1.7 Stem borer: Plocaederus ferrugineus L. (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
1.8 Hairy caterpillar: Metanastria hyrtaca Cramer (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae)
1.9 Leaf miner: Acrocercops syngramma (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gracillaridae)
1.10 Spiraling whitefly: Aleurodicus dispersus Russell (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidiae)
1.11 Leaf twisting weevil: Apoderus tranquebaricus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Curculionidae:)
1.12 Scale: Chloropulvinaria psidii (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)
1
2. Diseases
2.1
Leaf spot: Phaeophleospora indica Chinnappa
2.2
Leaf blight: Fusicoccum sapoticola Chinnappa & V.G. Rao
2.3
Sooty mould: Capnodium sp.
2.4
Postharvest diseases
2.4.1
Soft rot: Pestalotiopsis mangiferae (Henn.) Steyaert
2.4.2
Fruit rot: P. palmivora, Versicolar sapotae
2.5
Basal rot: Ceratocystis paradoxa (Dade) C. Moreau
2.6
Heart rot: Phytophthora parasitica Dastur
2.7
Anthracnose : Colletotrichum gleosporioides (Penz.) Penz. &. Sacc
3. Weeds
Broadleaf
3.1
Tick weed: Cleome viscosa L. (Capparidaceae)
3.2
Coat buttons: Tridax procumbens L. (Fabaceae)
3.3
Congress grass: Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae)
3.4
Horse Purslane: Trainthema portulacastrum L. (Aizoaceae)
3.5
Crofton weed: Eupatorium odoratum L. (Asteraceae)
3.6
Siam weed: Chromolaena odorata L. R.M. king & H. Rob (Asteraceae)
3.7
False amaranth: Digera arvensis L. (Amaranthaceae)
3.8
Spurge: Euphorbia hirta L. (Euphorbiaceae)
Grasses
3.9
Crab grass: Digiteria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. (Poaceae)
3.10
Yellow foxtail: Setaria glauca (L.) P. Beauv. (Poaceae)
3.11
Bermuda grass: Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. (Poaceae)
3.12
Torpedo grass: Panicum repens L. (Poaceae)
Sedges
3.13
Purple nutsedge: Cyperus rotundus L. (Cyperaceae)
3.14
Flat sedge: Cyperus iria L. (Cyperaceae)
B. Pests of Regional Significance

1. Insect pest
1.1
Mealybug: Rastrococcus iceryoides Green (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)
2. Diseases
2.1
Faciation: Botrydiplodia theobromae Pat.
Phanerogamic parasites
2.2
2
II. AGRO-ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS (AESA) BASED INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM)

A. AESA:
The IPM has been evolving over the decades to address the deleterious impacts of synthetic chemical pesticides
on environment ultimately affecting the interests of the growers. The economic threshold level (ETL) was the basis
for several decades but in modern IPM (FAO 2002) emphasis is given to AESA where growers take decisions based
on larger range of orchard observations. The health of a plant is determined by its environment which includes
physical factors (i.e. soil, rain, sunshine hours, wind etc.) and biological factors (i.e. pests, diseases and weeds). All
these factors can play a role in the balance which exists between herbivore insects and their natural enemies.
Understanding the intricate interactions in an ecosystem can play a critical role in pest management.
Decision making in pest management requires a thorough analysis of the agro-ecosystem. Grower has to
learn how to observe the crop, how to analyze the field situation and how to make proper decisions for their crop
management. This process is called the AESA. Participants of AESA will have to make a drawing on a large piece
of paper (60 x 80 cm), to include all their observations. The advantage of using a drawing is that it requires the
participants/growers to observe closely and intensively. It is a focal point for the analysis and for the discussions
that follow, and the drawing can be kept as a record.
AESA is an approach, which can be gainfully employed by extension functionaries and growers to analyze
the field situations with regards to pests, defenders, soil conditions, plant health and the influence of climatic
factors and their relationship for growing a healthy crop. The basic components of AESA are:
•• Plant health at different stages
•• Built-in compensation abilities of plants
•• Pest and defender population dynamics
•• Soil conditions
•• Climatic factors
•• Growers past experience
Principles of AESA based IPM:

Grow a healthy crop:
•• Select a variety resistant/tolerant to major pests
•• Select healthy seeds/seedlings/planting material
•• Treat the seeds/seedlings/planting materials with recommended pesticides especially biopesticides
•• Follow proper spacing
•• Soil health improvement (mulching and green manuring whenever applicable)
•• Nutrient management especially by using organic manures and biofertilizers based on the soil test results.
If the dose of nitrogenous fertilizers is too high the crop becomes too succulent and therefore susceptible
to insects and diseases. If the dose is too low, the crop growth is retarded. So, the growers should apply
an appropriate amount of nutrients for best results.
•• Proper irrigation
Observe the orchard regularly (climatic factors, soil and biotic factors):
Growers should:
•• Monitor the field situation of the orchard at least once a week (soil, water, plants, pests, natural enemies,
weather factors etc.)
•• Make decisions based on the field situations of the orchard and Pest: Defender ratio (P: D ratio)
•• Take direct action when needed (e.g. collect egg masses, remove infested plants etc.)
3
Plant compensation ability:

Compensation is deﬁned as the replacement of plant biomass lost to herbivores and has been associated with
increased photosynthetic rates and mobilization of stored resources from source organs to sinks (e.g., from roots
and remaining leaves to new leaves) during active vegetative growth period. Plant tolerance to herbivory can
arise from the interaction of a variety of plant traits and external environmental factors. The ability of the plant
to compensate for the reduced acquisition of resources by the production of new organs or by remobilization of
reserves may also mitigate biotic stress effects.
Understand and conserve defenders:

•• Know defenders/natural enemies to understand their role through regular observations of the agro-
ecosystem
•• Avoid the use of chemical pesticides especially with broad-spectrum activity
Insect zoo:
In orchard various types of insects are present. Some are beneficial and some may be harmful. Generally growers
are not aware about it. Predators (friends of the growers) which feed on pests are not easy to observe in orchard.
Insect zoo concept can be helpful to enhance growers’ skill to identify beneficial and harmful insects. In this
method, unfamiliar/unknown insects are collected in plastic containers with brush from the orchard and brought
to a place for study. Each insect is placed inside a plastic bottle together with parts of the plant and some known
insect pests. Insects in the bottle are observed for certain time and determined whether the test insect is a pest
(feeds on plant) or a predator (feeds on other insects).
Pest: Defender ratio (P: D ratio):

Identifying the number of pests and beneficial insects helps the growers to make appropriate pest management
decisions. Sweep net, visual counts etc. can be adopted to arrive at the numbers of pests and defenders. The P:
D ratio can vary depending on the feeding potential of natural enemy as well as the type of pest. The natural
enemies of sapota insect pests can be divided into 3 categories 1. parasitoids; 2. predators; and 3. pathogens.
4
Model Agro-Ecosystem Analysis Chart

Date:
Village:
Grower:
Decision taken based on the analysis of orchard situations

Soil conditions :
Weather conditions :
Diseases types and severity :
Weeds types and intensity :
Rodent damage (if any) :
No. of insect pests :
No. of natural enemies :
P: D ratio :
The general rule to be adopted for management decisions relying on the P: D ratio is 2: 1. However, some of the
parasitoids and predators will be able to control more than 2 pests. Wherever specific P: D ratios are not found,
it is safer to adopt the 2: 1, as P: D ratio. Whenever the P: D ratio is found to be favourable, there is no need for
adoption of other management strategies. In cases where the P: D ratio is found to be unfavourable, the farmers
can be advised to resort to inundative release of parasitoids/predators depending upon the type of pest. In
addition to inundative release of parasitoids and predators, the usage of microbial biopesticides and biochemical
biopesticides such as insect growth regulators, botanicals etc. can be relied upon before resorting to synthetic
chemical pesticides.
Decision making:
Growers become experts in crop management:
Growers have to make timely decisions about the management of their orchards. AESA growers have learned to
make these decisions based on observations and analysis viz., abiotic and biotic factors of the crop ecosystem.
The past experience of the growers should also be considered for decision making. However, as field conditions of
orchard continue to change and new technologies become available, growers need to continue improving their
skills and knowledge.
•• Growers are capable of improving farming practices by experimentation
5
•• Growers can share their knowledge with other growers

AESA methodology:
•• Go to the orchard in groups (about 5 growers per group). Walk across the field and choose 20 trees/ acre
randomly. Observe keenly each of these trees and record observations:
•• Tree: 5-6 samples per tree (fruits/ leaves/ inflorescence /stem bark/roots/ soil/ insects, host
plants) should be collected where, one sample from top, four samples from all the four sides
(north, south, east, west) and one from bottom/soil, depending upon the requirement of study/
observations and if necessary.
•• Insect pests: Observe and count insect pests at different places on the plant.
•• Defenders (natural enemies): Observe and count parasitoids and predators.
•• Diseases: Observe leaves and stems and identify any visible disease symptoms and severity.
•• Weeds: Observe weeds in the field and their intensity.
•• Water: Observe the water situation of the field.
•• Weather: Observe the weather condition.
•• While walking in the orchard, manually collect insects in plastic bags. Use a sweep net to collect additional
insects. Collect plant parts with disease symptoms.
•• Find a shady place to sit as a group in a small circle for drawing and discussion.
•• If needed, kill the insects with some chloroform (if available) on a piece of cotton.
•• Each group will first identify the pests, defenders and diseases collected.
•• Each group will then analyze the field situation of the orchard in detail and present their observations and
analysis in a drawing (the AESA drawing).
•• Each drawing will show a plant representing the field situation of the orchard. The weather conditions,
water level, disease symptoms, etc. will be shown in the drawing. Insect pests will be drawn on one
side. Defenders (beneficial insects) will be drawn on another side. Write the number next to each insect.
Indicate the plant part where the pests and defenders were found. Try to show the interaction between
pests and defenders.
•• Each group will discuss the situation and make a crop management recommendation.
•• The small groups then join each other and a member of each group will now present their analysis in front
of all participants.
•• The facilitator will facilitate the discussion by asking guiding questions and makes sure that all participants
(also shy or illiterate persons) are actively involved in this process.
•• Formulate a common conclusion. The whole group should support the decision on what field management
of the orchard is required in the AESA plot.
•• Make sure that the required activities (based on the decision) will be carried out.
•• Keep the drawing for comparison purpose in the following weeks.
Data recording:
Growers should record data in a notebook and drawing on a chart:
•• Keep records of what has happened help us making an analysis and draw conclusions
Data to be recorded:
•• Tree situations (e.g. for AESA): Plant health; pests, diseases, weeds; natural enemies; soil conditions;
irrigation; weather conditions
•• Input costs: Seeds; fertilizer; pesticides; labour
•• Harvest: Yield (Kg/acre); price of produce (Rs./Kg)
Some questions that can be used during the discussion:
•• Summarize the present situation of the orchard.
•• What crop management aspect is most important at this moment?
•• Is there a big change in tree situation compared to last visit? What kind of change?
6
•• Is there any serious pest or disease outbreak?

•• What is the situation of the beneficial insects?
•• Is there a balance in the field between pests and defenders?
•• Were you able to identify all pests and diseases?
•• Do you think the tree is healthy?
•• What management practices are needed at this moment?
•• When will it be done? Who will do it? Make sure that responsibilities
for all activities are being discussed.
•• Are you expecting any problems to emerge during the coming
week such as congenial weather conditions for pest buildup?
•• What are the problems? How can we avoid it? How can we be prepared?
•• Summarize the actions to be taken.
Advantages of AESA over ETL:

One of the problems of the ETL is that it is based on parameters that
are changing all the time, and that are often not known. The damage or
losses caused by a certain density of insects cannot be predicted at all. In
ETL the due recognition of the role of natural enemies in decreasing pest
population is ignored. Growers cannot base their decisions on just a simple
count of pests. They will have to consider many other aspects of the tree
(tree ecology, growth stage, natural enemies, weather condition, etc.) and
their own economic and social situation before they can make the right
crop management decisions. In ETL based IPM, natural enemies, plant
compensation ability and abiotic factors are not considered. In AESA based
IPM emphasis is given to natural enemies, plant compensation ability, abiotic factors and P: D ratio.
AESA and farmer field school (FFS):

AESA is a season-long training activity that takes place in the Grower
orchard. It is season-long so that it covers all the different developmental
stages of the tree and their related management practices. The process
is always learner-centered, participatory and relying on an experiential
learning approach and therefore it has become an integral part of FFS.
Growers can learn from AESA:
•• Identification of pests and their nature of damage
•• Identification of natural enemies
•• Management of pests
•• Water and nutrient management
•• Influence of weather factors on pest buildup
•• Role of natural enemies in pest management
FFS to teach AESA based IPM skills:
7
B. Field scouting:
AESA requires skill, so only the trained growers can undertake this exercise. However, other growers also can do
field scouting in their own orchard at regular intervals to monitor the major pest situation. Surveillance on pest
occurrence at the main orchard should commence soon after tree establishment and at weekly intervals thereafter.
In each tree, select five branches randomly for recording of insects as per procedure finalized for individual insects.
Sampling in fruit crops:
A person doing sampling is known as an inspector or scout. The fruit crops are perennial in nature and before
starting the surveillance process an inspector or scout who is going to implement the activity should know about
the nature of crop as well as different crop stages and its growth stages. Knowing crop and its nature helps in
identifying the important pests and diseases because the pests and diseases infest and infect, respectively, certain
stage or part of the plant.
Sampling patterns:
Different methods of sampling are reported and being utilized for sampling in crops as well as in fruit plants such
as random, scattered etc. However, some of them are specific to the crop/disease/pests and growth stage (some
of them are to be utilized at initial stage and/or for subsequent plant growth stage). Also the sampling methods
may differ based on the nature and requirement of the study such as estimating disease incidence and/or disease
severity. For a common orchard study, the assessment methods should not only be easy and quick in use for a
wide range of conditions, but also adequately reliable, reproducible, and accurate/precise. However, this is not
always possible. Generally, in fruit crops the following sampling patterns are used:
•• Zig-zag pattern. Sampling a fallow orchard or one with no obvious symptoms in the current crop to see
the incidence as well as sampling of viral, wilt disease.
•• Circle pattern. Sampling within the drip line of trees and shrubs and for powdery mildew, downy mildew
and leaf spot diseases etc.
•• Star pattern. Sampling from a damaged area.
Sampling frequency:
Sampling frequency or interval depends on pest generation interval or number of generations per year, potential
for population increase between generations, stage of crop- pathogen infection etc. Generally, if initial survey
is already implemented and some results are with the surveillance manager, then based upon the results of
pest/disease incidence/intensity and weather parameters, the surveillance frequency/interval is decided to get
comprehensive view of the pests and diseases development/population dynamics as well as biocontrol agent’s
population (if present in the crop ecosystem). In subsequent survey, monitoring for the pest, pathogen, and
biocontrol agent must be carried out to get the following detailed information:
8
•• Relative pest measuring estimates: Counting the representative samples in a given area.
•• Absolute pest measuring estimates: Counting all individuals in a population in a given area which
determine total pest population size in a given area. It is very effective pest surveillance research tool but
very time consuming, therefore, not practical and/or not economically feasible.
•• Get an idea of number of pests per unit: To estimate pests per plant and/or area to make the decision.
•• Get an idea of weather at the site: In addition to the pest estimation, the prevailing weather conditions,
which may affect pest development and/or population buildup, are observed and recorded.
•• Get an idea of biocontrol agents: To strengthen the management strategies, biocontrol agent population
size, if available, in a given area is to be determined.
For insect pests:
Fruit fly: Population should be counted on three leaves (top and middle portion) of new shoot at 5 sites randomly
in each tree.
For Diseases:
Whenever scouting, be aware that symptoms of plant disease problems may be caused by any biotic factors such
as fungal, bacterial, viral pathogens or abiotic factors such as weather, fertilizers, nutrient deficiencies, pesticides
and abiotic soil problems. In many cases, the cause of the symptom is not obvious. Close examination, and
laboratory culture and analysis are required for proper diagnosis of the causal agent of disease. Generally fungal
diseases cause the obvious symptoms with irregular growth, pattern & colour (except viruses), however abiotic
problems cause regular, uniform symptoms. Pathogen presence (signs) on the symptoms can also be observed
like fungal growth, bacterial ooze etc. Specific and characteristic symptoms of the important plant diseases are
given in description of diseases section.
Root sampling: Always check plants that appear unhealthy. If there are no obvious symptoms on plants, examine
plants randomly and look for lesions or rots on roots and stems. Observe the signs of the causal organism (fungal
growth or ooze). Always check plants that appear unhealthy. It is often necessary to wash the roots with water to
examine them properly. If the roots are well developed, cut into them to examine the roots for internal infections
(discolouration & signs). Count the total number of pseudostem damaged/infested/infected due to rot should be
counted and incidence should be recorded.
Leaf sampling: Examine all leaves and or sheaths on each plant for lesions and determine the amount area of leaf
infection. Leaf diseases cause most damage during the seedling and flowering stages of plant growth. Observe
for the symptoms and signs on the infected plant parts. Count the number of leaves (leaf area diameter)/plant
infected due to disease and incidence should be recorded.
Stem, flower and fruit sampling: Carefully examine the stems, flowers and fruits of plants for signs of fungal
material diseases or lesions. The stems, flowers and fruits should be split or taken apart and examined for
discoloration caused by fungi and bacteria. Count the number of plant, flower and fruit infected due to disease
and incidence should be recorded.
C. Surveillance through pheromone/attractant trap catches:

Attractant traps for fruit fly with methyl eugenol/cue lure @ 1 trap per 5 tree have to be installed. Fix the traps to
the supporting pole at mid canopy level. Change the lures at regular interval. During each week of surveillance,
the number of number fruit flies/trap should be counted and recorded. The traped fruit flies should be removed
and destroyed after each recording.
D. Yellow pan water/ sticky traps:

Set up yellow pan water traps on the ground or yellow sticky traps at mid canopy level for monitoring leaf miner
and white flies @ 1traps/per 5 trees. Locally available empty tins can be painted yellow coated with grease/
Vaseline/castor oil on outer surface may also be used as yellow sticky trap.
9
E. Light trap:
Set up light traps@ 1 trap/acre at the mid canopy level for monitoring and mass trapping of nocturnal insects.
Light traps with exit option for natural enemies of smaller size should be installed and operate around the dusk
time (6 pm to 10 pm).
III. ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING FOR PEST MANAGEMENT

Ecological engineering for pest management has recently emerged as a paradigm for considering pest management
approaches that rely on the use of cultural techniques to effect habitat manipulation and to enhance biological
control. Ecological engineering for pest management is based on informed ecological knowledge rather than high
technology approaches such as synthetic pesticides and genetically engineered crops (Gurr et al. 2004 a, b).
Ecological Engineering for Pest Management – Below Ground:

There is a growing realization that the soil borne, seed and seedling borne diseases can be managed with microbial
interventions, besides choosing appropriate plant varieties. The following activities increase the beneficial
microbial population and enhance soil fertility.
•• Keep soils covered year-round with living vegetation and/or tree residue.
•• Add organic matter in the form of farm yard manure (FYM), vermicompost, crop residue which enhance
below ground biodiversity of beneficial microbes and insects.
•• Application of balanced dose of nutrients using biofertilizers based on soil test report.
•• Application of biofertilizers with special focus on mycorrhiza and plant growth promoting rhizobia (PGPR)
•• Application of Trichoderma harzianum/viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens for treatment of seeds/
seedlings/planting materials in the nurseries and field (if commercial products are used, check for label
claim. However, biopesticides produced by growers for own consumption in their fields, registration is
not required).
Ecological Engineering for Pest Management – Above Ground:

Natural enemies play a very significant role in control of foliar insect pests. Natural enemy diversity contributes
significantly to management of insect pests both below and above ground.
Natural enemies may require:

1. Food in the form of pollen and nectar.
2. Shelter, overwintering sites and moderate microclimate etc.
3. Alternate hosts when primary hosts are not present.
In order to attract natural enemies following activities should be practiced:

•• Raise the flowering plants / compatible cash crops along the orchard border by arranging shorter plants
towards main crop and taller plants towards the border to attract natural enemies as well as to avoid
immigrating pest population
•• Grow flowering plants on the internal bunds inside the orchard
•• Not to uproot weed plants those are growing naturally such as Tridax procumbens, Ageratum sp,
Alternanthera sp etc. which act as nectar source for natural enemies
•• Not to apply broad spectrum chemical pesticides, when the P: D ratio is favourable. The plant compensation
ability should also be considered before applying chemical pesticides.
•• Reduce tillage intensity so that hibernating natural enemies can be saved.
•• Select and plant appropriate companion plants which could be trap crops and pest repellent crops. The
trap crops and pest repellent crops will also recruit natural enemies as their flowers provide nectar and
the plants provide suitable microclimate.
Due to enhancement of biodiversity by the flowering plants, parasitoids and predators (natural enemies) number
also will increase due to availability of nectar, pollen and insects etc. The major predators are a wide variety of
spiders, ladybird beetles, long horned grasshoppers, lacewing, earwigs, etc.
10
Plants Suitable for Ecological Engineering for Pest Management

Attractant Plants

The flowering plants suggested under Ecological Engineering for pest management strategy are known as attractant
plants to the natural enemies of the selected pests. The information is based on published literature, however, the
actual selection of flowering plants could be based on availability, agro-climatic conditions and soil types.
11
Biodiversity of natural enemies observed in Ecological Engineering field at NIPHM

Biodiversity of natural enemies: Parasitoids
Biodiversity of natural enemies: Predators
Biodiversity of natural enemies: Spiders
12
IV. RESISTANT/TOLERANT VARIETIES

Pest Tolerant/ Resistant variety*
Tolerant to leaf spot and leaf webber PKM.3 (1994)
* For detailed information and further updates nearest KVK, SAU / ICAR Institute may be contacted
V. CROP STAGE-WISE IPM

Management Activity
Pre-planting
Common cultural practices:
•• Harrowing, levelling and application of FYM to the soil help in achieving to conserve soil moisture,
and ensure excellent bearing of fruits and resist to insect invasion later
•• Field sanitation, roguing
•• Destroy the alternate host plants
Nutrients •• Nutrient should be applied on the basis of soil test report and recommendation for the particular
agro-climatic zone.
•• Prepare land by ploughing and harrowing.
•• The pits are dug in summer about a fortnight before planting.
•• Dig pits of about 1 m x 1 m x 1 m at a distance of 10 m x 10 m apart (high density planting of 5 X 5
m up to the age of 13 years may be adopted). Fill the pits with top soil mixed with 25 kg FYM treated
with Trichoderma cultures.
Weeds •• Plough the field before planting to destroy existing weeds in the field.
•• Remove existing weeds in and around the pits at the time of planting.
Soil borne Cultural control:
pathogens, •• Grow resistant/tolerant varieties, if any.
resting stages of •• Deep summer ploughing of field to control resting stages of insect pests.
insects •• Avoid excessive watering and provide proper drainage in the field.
Planting
Nutrients ••
Planting is done in pits already filled with top soil and FYM.
••
Apply 20 g each of Azospirillum and mycorrhizae per plant during planting.
Weeds ••
Remove weeds from the pit, if any at the time of plant
••
Use fibrous biological mulch to reduce the weed problems and conserve the soil moisture.
••
Adopt the intercropping of recommended crops between the rows of sapota depending upon
the stage of orchard e.g. banana, papaya, pine apple, cocoa, French bean, peas, tomato, brinjal,
cabbage, cauliflower and cucurbits.
Insect & diseases Mechanical practices
•• Neem cake must be incorporated @ 40 Kg/acre, to protect from pest attack.
•• Growing of forage crops as a mixed crop, helps in "maintaining ecological balance".
•• Timely planting should be done.
•• Plant material for laying quality fruit orchard should be obtained from registered nursery.
•• Avoid planting of saplings infested with scales, borers and diseases.
•• Don't grow the nursery at the same site every year.
•• Use of disease-resistant rootstock and scion for managing the collar rot.
•• For raising of nurseries, the soil selection be made which is free from pest infestation.
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•• Delay planting until the soil is reasonably dry and plant before the buds begin to burst.
•• Growing of flowering plants especially marigold and maize on the peripheries will help in
conservation of both predators and parasites. In rich soils, the fertilizer doses may be half or
applied on the basis of leaf analysis report.
•• Make use of neem cakes while raising plant nurseries to ward off any soil pest.
* Apply Trichoderma viride/harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens for nursery treatment and soil application (if commercial
products are used, check for label claim. However, biopesticides produced by farmers for own consumption in their fields,
registration is not required).
Vegetative stage (2nd to 4th years)
Common cultural practices:
•• Collect and destroy diseased and insect infected plant parts.
•• Provide irrigation at critical stages of the crop
•• Avoid water stagnation.
Common mechanical practices:
•• Collection and destruction of eggs and early stage larvae
•• Handpick the older larvae during early stages
•• The infested curd and seed capsules may be collected and destroyed
•• Handpick the gregarious caterpillars and the pupae which are found on leaves and destroy them
in kerosene mixed water.
•• Use light trap @ 1/acre and operate between 6 pm and 10 pm
•• Set up bonfire during evening hours at 7-8 pm
Common biological practices:
•• Conserve natural enemies through ecological engineering
•• Augmentative release of natural enemies.
•• Enhance parasitic activity by avoiding chemical spray, when 1-2 larval parasitoids are observed
Nutrients •• Apply fertilizers according to the age of plant as mentioned below;
Nitrogen Phosphorus
Age of the tree Potash
(grams /tree)
1-3 Years 50 25 75
4-6 Years 100 40 150
7-10 years 200 80 300
11 years and onward 400 160 450
Weeds Cultural control:

•• Use black polythene mulch for suppressing the weeds growth.
•• Remove the existing weeds around the pits by using hand tools as and when required.
•• Inter-cultivation by suitable plough or cultivator between the rows of sapota plants immediately
after onset of the monsoon and may be repeated after suitable interval.
Bud worm/ bud •• See common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 13,14)
borer
Cultural control:
•• Plough around trees to expose and kill pupae
•• Collect and destroy damaged buds along with caterpillar
•• Soil raking etc.
14
Stem borer •• See common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 13,14)
Cultural control:
•• Undertake periodical cleaning of collar region, removal of grubs, pupae and eggs and inter
ploughing wherever possible during monsoon months
•• Field sanitation
•• Swab coal tar + Kerosene @ 1:2 on the basal portion of the trunk ( 3 feet height)
Mechanical control:
•• Uproot and remove dead trees from the plantation
•• Avoid injury to the trunk or exposed portion of the root.
•• Collect and destroy the damaged plants
•• Scraping the loose bark to prevent oviposition by adult beetles.
Scales •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no.13,14)
Cultural control:
•• Grow attractant plants for natural enemies: viz., sunflower family, carrot family plants and
buckwheat
Mechanical control:
•• Pruning of infested branches and twigs
•• Collection and destruction of pruned infested material
Hairy caterpillar •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no.13,14)
Cultural control:
•• Irrigate once to avoid prolonged mid-season drought.
Mechanical control:
•• Dig the pit of 1 inch depth between the fields & dust to kill the larvae in pits.
Spiraling •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no.13,14 )
whitefly Cultural control:
•• Water sprays may also be useful in dislodging adults.
•• A small, hand-held, battery-operated vacuum cleaner has also been recommended for vacuuming
adults off leaves.
•• Vacuum in the early morning or other times when it is cool and whiteflies are sluggish.
•• Kill insects by placing the vacuum bag in a plastic bag and freezing it overnight.
•• Fumigating with a small petrol soacked cotton ball.
Leaf miner •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 13,14)
Cultural control:
•• Avoid excess use of nitrogen.
•• Growing tomato or marigold as a trap crop.
Leaf webber •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 13, 14).
Biological control:
•• Neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) 5 %
Mealybug •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 13, 14).
Biological control:
•• After two weeks release 20 predatory beetles viz., Cryptolaemus montrouzieri beetle per tree.
Leaf spot/blight •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 13, 14).
•• For resistant / tolerant varieties consult ICAR Institute / KVK’s / SAU’s.
Cultural control:
•• Collect and burn the infected plant parts to minimize the spread of the disease.
•• Increase air circulation by proper training and pruning.
15
Sooty mould •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 13, 14).
Mechanical control:
•• Pruning of affected branches and their prompt destruction prevents the spread of the disease
•• Spray starch solution 5% to remove the fungal growth
Anthracnose •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 13, 14).
Cultural control:
•• Diseased leaves, twigs, gall midge infected leaves and fruits, should be collected and burnt.
•• Covering the fruits on tree, 15 days prior to harvest with news or brown paper bags.
Heart rot •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 13, 14).
Cultural control:
•• Prune and destroy the dead twigs and fruits.
•• Plant spacing and fertilizer regimes should be managed to avoid unnecessarily dense plant canopy.
•• Prune old and non-productive branch which may serve as potential source of infection.
•• For managing fruit rot disease good field sanitation (maintain field free of infected dry or semi-dry
twigs and mummified fruits of previous harvest which may serve as primary inoculums).
Flowering stage
Nutrients •• Apply recommended micronutrients, if symptoms are observed.
•• Micro-nutrients viz., ZnSO4 (0.5%) and H2BO3 (0.1%) are sprayed in order to increase growth and
yield characters.
Weeds •• Remove weeds around the plants.
•• Use straw or plastic mulch to avoid weed growth and to maintain soil moisture for longer period
Bud borer/ bud •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 13, 14)
worm
Fruit laden stage
Leaf webber •• Same as in vegetative stage
Sapota seed •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 13, 14).
borer Cultural control:
•• Field sanitation
•• Free from weeds and debris
Mechanical control:
•• Collect and destroy the egg mass
•• Burning the groups of larvae found on tree trunks with torches.
Harvesting stage
Fruit fly •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 13, 14).
Mechanical control:
•• Collect fallen infested fruits and dispose them by dumping in a pit and covering with soil.
•• Raking the soil around the tree to expose the pupa
•• Monitor and mass trap the fruit flies with methyl eugenol traps.
•• Use bait spray combining any one of the insecticides and molasses.
16
Seed borer •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 13, 14).
Mechanical control:
•• Sanitation: Sanitation is to be maintained for eliminating the sources of seed borer infestation.
•• Collection and destruction of the off season stray mature sapota fruits after main harvest till
November will bring down the pest incidence.
Fruit/soft rot •• Follow common cultural, mechanical and biological practices (See page no. 13, 14).
Cultural control:
•• Prune and destroy the dead twigs and fruits.
•• Plant spacing and fertilizer régimes should be managed to avoid unnecessarily dense plant canopy.
•• Prune old and non-productive branch which may serve as potential source of infection
•• Good field sanitation (maintain field free of infected dry or semi-dry twigs and mummified fruits of
previous harvest which may serve as primary inoculum.
•• Proper fertilization and irrigation, proper pruning to enhance air circulation within the canopy and
sunlight penetration, managing weeds and wider tree spacing.
•• Managing insect, mite and other foliar diseases increases tree
Mechanical control:
•• Remove and destroy all the affected fruits to reduce, the incidence.
•• Cover the fruit with polythene bags when the fruits are up to 5 cm.
17
VI. INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE AND ITS MANAGEMENT

Insecticide resistance: Resistance to insecticides may be defined as ‘a heritable change in the sensitivity of a pest
population that is reflected in the repeated failure of a product to achieve the expected level of control when used
according to the label recommendation for that pest species’ (IRAC). Cross-resistance occurs when resistance to
one insecticide confers resistance to another insecticide, even where the insect has not been exposed to the latter
product.
Causes of resistance development: The causes and rate at which insecticide resistance develops depend on
several factors, including the initial frequency of resistance alleles present in the population, how rapidly the
insects reproduce, the insects’ level of resistance, the migration and host range of the insects, the insecticide's
persistence and specificity, and the rate, timing and number of applications of insecticide made. For instance,
insect pests that survive in large populations and breed quickly are at greater advantage of evolving insecticide,
especially when insecticides are misused or over-used.
General strategy for insecticide resistance management: The best strategy to avoid insecticide resistance
is prevention and including insecticide resistance management tactics as part of a larger integrated pest
management (IPM) approach.
1) Monitor pests: Monitor insect population development in fields to determine if and when control measures
are warranted. Monitor and consider natural enemies when making control decisions. After treatment, continue
monitoring to assess pest populations and their control.
2) Focus on AESA. Insecticides should be used only as a last resort when all other non-chemical management
options are exhausted and P: D ratio is above 2: 1. Apply biopesticides/chemical insecticides judiciously after
observing unfavourable P: D ratio and when the pests are in most vulnerable life stage. Use application rates and
intervals as per label claim.
3) Ecological engineering for pest management: Flowering plants that attract natural enemies as well as plants
that repel pests can be grown as border/intercrop.
4) Take an integrated approach to managing pests. Use as many different control measures as possible viz.,
cultural, mechanical, physical, biological etc. Select insecticides with care and consider the impact on future pest
populations and the environment. Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides when a narrow-spectrum or more specific
insecticide will work. More preference should be given to green labeled insecticides.
5) Mix and apply carefully. While applying insecticides care should be taken for proper application of insecticides
in terms of dose, volume, timing, coverage, application techniques as per label claim.
6) Alternate different insecticide classes. Avoid the repeated use of the same insecticide, insecticides in the
same chemical class, or insecticides in different classes with same mode of action and rotate/alternate insecticide
classes and modes of action.
7) Preserve susceptible genes. Preserve susceptible individuals within the target population by providing
unsprayed areas within treated fields, adjacent "refuge" fields, or habitat attractions within a treated field that
facilitate immigration. These susceptible individuals may outcompete and interbreed with resistant individuals,
diluting the resistant genes and therefore the impact of resistance.
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VII. NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES

Nutrients Appearance
Nitrogen: Stunted growth. The bark of the shoots turn reddish-brown in colour.
On elongating shoots, the immature leaves become amber to bright red while
the mature leaves remained small and yellow-green in colour. Early abscission of
leaves, smaller and fewer fruits.
Correction measure: Foliar sprays of urea @ 2% with 250 g N per tree from both
sources increase the fruit weight and yield.
Phosphorus: Pigmentation seen in older leaves; leaf size become small.

Correction measure: Foliar spray of DAP 2% at fortnightly intervals.
Potassium: Light brown specks scattered all over the leaves which appear later
merged forming necrotic patches between the large veins. Browning on the
under side of the leaves and chlorotic areas between veins due to K deficiency.
Correction measure: Application of KCl on soil test basis.
Calcium: Tip of the twig and flower bud is affected and growth retarded.
Correction measure: Apply gypsum of lime based on soil test recommendation.
Magnesium: Leaves become lighter green which gradually turn greenish yellow,
remaining deeper green along the mid rib and larger veins. Leaves turn yellow
with scattered brown lesion on the leaf blade. Interveinial chlorosis on older
leaves followed by necrosis of distal leaf edge.
Correction measure: Application of dolomite or spraying magnesium nitrate @
1% can avoid the deficiency.
19
Sulphur: Yellowing of young leaves; growth of the leaf is affected.

Correction measure: Foliar spray of CaSO4@1%.
Boron: Leaves turn yellowish-green in colour the older leaves show signs of
burning at the tips and along the margins which abscised prematurely. The tip
burning of young leaves and splits or crack on the midrib and large veins on the
underside of the leaf is observed.
Correction measure: Soil application of borax at 2 Kg/acre.
Copper: The leaf veins developed a reddish-brown colour, premature defoliation

and die back of twigs also occurred. The tip of the twigs develop multiple buds
which died soon.
Correction measure: Application CuSO4 @ 2 to 4 Kg/acre. Cu-fungicide sprays
will be helpful in correcting the deficiency.
Iron: Yellowing of young leaves; occurrence of interveinal chlorosis is commonly

observed and severe iron deficiency.
Correction measure: Foliar spray of [email protected] % at fortnightly intervals.
Manganese: Light colored spots on the leaves and sometimes necrotic spots also
appear. Green bands of varying width appear along the midrib and veins with
yellow areas between the veins. Interveinal chlorosis, premature dropping of the
leaves and dye back of terminals due to Mn deficiency can also be observed.
Correction measure: Spraying of MnSO4 @ 0.3% at fortnightly intervals.
Zinc: Symptoms seen in young leaves; size of the leaf become small.
Correction measure: Foliar spray of [email protected]%.
20
VIII. COMMON WEEDS
1. Tick weed: Cleome viscosa L. 2. Coat buttons: 3. Congress grass: Parthenium

(Capparidaceae) Tridax procumbens L. (Fabaceae) hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae)
4. Horse purslane: Trainthema 5. Crofton weed: Eupatorium 6. Siam weed: Chromolaena odorata
portulacastrum L. (Aizoaceae) odoratum L. (Asteraceae) L. R.M. king & H. Rob (Asteraceae)
7. False amaranth: Digera arvensis L. 8. Spurge: Euphorbia hirta L. 9. Crab grass: Digiteria sanguinalis
(Amaranthaceae) (Euphorbiaceae) (L.) Scop. (Poaceae)
10. Yellow foxtail Setaria glauca (L.) 11. Bermuda grass Cynodon dactylon 12. Torpedo grass:
P. Beauv. (Poaceae) (L.) Pers. (Poaceae) Panicum repens L. (Poaceae)
13. Purple nutsedge: Cyperus rotundus L. (Cyperaceae) 14. Flat sedge: Cyperus iria L. (Cyperaceae)
21
IX. DESCRIPTION OF INSECT PESTS

1) Leaf webber:
Biology:
Egg: Eggs are laid usually in small batches of 4 to 30 along the mid rib of the underside of leaf or tender branches. Freshly laid
eggs were soft, pale yellow but semi-transparent. The fertile eggs turn pink within 24 hrs.
Larva: Neonate larvae measure 1.35 mm in length. Initially they are pink and become yellow within 24 h and later turns into
greenish in colour. Head is pale yellow. Dorsal side of body is pink in colour while ventral side is green. First and third pair of
strips are pink in colour blended with black spots on each segment while second pair is purple.
Pupa: Pupation takes place in plant debris or in soil.
Adult: Adult is grayish in colour with compound black eyes
with setaceous antennae. Fore wings are grayish with four
black transverse wavy lines. Hind wings are membranous
white. Both the wings are fringed at the outer margins. A
brownish line is present near the outer margins of the wings.
Damage symptoms:
Caterpillar webs and feed on leaves by scrapping chlorophyll
content. Caterpillar also bores into flower buds and tender
fruits leading to withering and shedding.
*For management refer to page number 15 Damage symptom
2) Green scale:
Biology:
Egg: Eggs are whitish green elongate-oval and are laid singly. Eggs hatch beneath the female where they are protected. Eggs
hatch from a few minutes to several hours after being laid
Nymphs (crawlers): Nymphs, or immature green scales are oval, flat and yellowish green in color, and have six short legs.
There are three nymphal stages before becoming an adult, each stage being larger and more convex than the previous stage
Adults: The adult female is shiny pale green with a conspicuous black, irregular U-shaped internal marking that is dorsally
visible to the naked eye. Two sub-marginal black eye spots are also present and can be seen with a hand lens. The outline
shape may be described as elongate- oval and moderately convex. Adult scales are 2.5-3.25 mm. Dead scales are light brown
or buff color and the black internal marking is lost.
Life cycle:
Nature and symptoms of damage:

Scales damage plants by sucking out plant sap as a
result leaves turn to yellow and wilt.
Natural enemies of scale insects:

Parasitoids: Coccophgagus cowperi
Predators: Cryptolaemus montrouzieri
*For management refer to page number 15
22
3) Mealybug:
Biology: Mealybugs are soft pinkish-white insects with a waxy appearance. Adult females are soft-bodied, wingless insects
that grow between 1/20 and 1/5 inch long. Mealybugs lay large clusters of several hundred eggs on the surface of a leaf,
which then hatch into yellow nymphs, which feed on plant sap.
Life cycle:
Natural enemies of mealybug:

Parasitoids: Parasitic wasp
Predators: Hover flies, ladybird beetle, Cryptolaemus
montrouzieri
4) Fruit fly:
Biology
Egg: The eggs of Bactrocera species are very similar measuring 0.8 mm long, 0.2 mm wide, with the micropyle protruding
slightly at the anterior end. The chorion is reticulate (requires scanning electron microscope examination). White to yellow-
white in colour.
Larva: The third-instar, which has a typical maggot appearance, is about 10 mm in length and creamy white. The only band of
spinules encircling the body is found on the first segment. The external part of the anterior respiratory organs, the spiracles,
located one on each side of the pointed or head end of the larva, has an exaggerated and deflexed lobe at each side and
bears many small tubercles. The caudal segment is very smooth. The posterior spiracles are located in the dorsal third of the
segment as viewed from the rear of the larva. The mature larva emerges from the fruit, drops to the ground, and forms a tan
to dark brown puparium about 4.9 mm in length. The entire larval stage lasts for 11-15 days.
Pupa: When mature, larvae drop to the ground and pupate in the soil. The puparium is yellowish-brown and seed-like. Adults
emerge in about 10 days.
Adult: Generally, the abdomen has two horizontal black stripes and a longitudinal median stripe extending from the base
of the third segment to the apex of the abdomen. These markings may form a "T" shaped pattern, but the pattern varies
considerably. Females begin to lay eggs about 8 days after emergence from the puparium. Under optimum conditions,
a female can lay more than 3,000 eggs during her lifetime, but under field conditions approximately 1,200 to 1,500 eggs
per female is considered to be the usual production.Ripe fruit are preferred for egg laying, but immature ones may be also
attacked.
Life cycle:
Symptoms of damage:
•• Maggot bore into semi-ripen fruits with decayed spots
and dropping of fruits.
•• Oozing of fluid
•• Brownish rotten patches on fruits
Natural enemies of fruit fly:
Parasitoids: Fopius arisanus, Diachasmimorpha kraussi etc.
23
5) Bud borer:
Biology:
Egg: The eggs are smooth, oval and white in colour at the time of oviposition and turned to light brown before hatching. The
length of eggs ranged from 0.37 to 0.49 mm with an average of 0.46 mm, while the breadth varied from 0.20 to 0.29 mm with
an average of 0.25 mm. The incubation period varied from 4 to 6 days with an average of 4.64 days.
Larva: The larva is small, slender, pinkish brown with black head and passed through four instars on sapota buds. The newly
hatched caterpillar was light yellow in colour, shiny with black head. It was tiny and delicate with slender body.
Pupa: This pre-pupal condition lasted for about one day during which the larva did not exhibit any movement unless it was
disturbed. The prepupal period lasted for 1 to 2 days with an average of 1.52 days. The length of pre-pupa varied from 6.10 to
7.20 mm with an average of 6.62 mm, while breadth ranged from 1.61 to 2.10 with an average of 1.41 mm. A newly formed
pupa was obtect type, brick-red in colour and changed into dark brown prior to the emergence as adult. The pupation took
place either inside or out side of the flower buds.
Adult: Grey moth with black patch on wings. The adults development was completed and legs and the wings are clearly
visible through the pupal skin under microscope.
Damage symptoms:
•• The bud borer webs together flower buds and flowers and reported to cause huge damage ranged from 2-15%. The bud borer
feeds by making holes into the petals and ovary resulting in significant crop loss. Larvae damages inflorescences of the trees.
6) Seed Borer:
Bioolgy:
Egg: A female moth lays eggs on medium sized immature fruits of sapota with the fecundity of 29 to 255 eggs/female.
Larva: The larvae are very minute, white in colour with pinkish tinge. The larvae feed only on endosperm of the seed and
complete its larval period inside the seed. For pupation, the mature larva comes out by tunneling out the fruit which usually
coincides with the fruit harvest.
Damage symptoms:
The seed borer is a monophagous pest attacking immature fruits of sapota. Neonate larva bores into the fruit and finally
enters the seed. The larvae feed only on endosperm of the seed . Full grown larvae prepare a tunnel to come out for pupation.
Due to the infestation of the pest, quality of the fruit deteriorates and hence the market price goes down.
*For management refer to page number 16.
7) Bud worm
Biology:
Egg: Female lays 50 -60 eggs in axils of the tender leaves, singly or in batches of 10-20, egg period is 3 days.
Larva: Larva is small, slender, pinkish brown in colour with black head and yellowish brown thoracic shield, larval period is
14-16 days.
Pupa: pupal period is 7-10 days.
Adult: Adult moth is grey coloured with black patches on wings. Life cycle completed in 24-29 days.
Life cycle: Damage symptoms:
•• Webbed flowers and buds
•• Shedding of buds and flowers
•• Bore holes and excreta seen on attacked flowers
•• Floral buds and flowers webbed together by larvae and shed.
Natural enemies of bud worm:
Parasitoid: Trichogramma spp. etc.
Predators: Lacewings, robber fly, coccinellids, spiders, red ants,
dragon fly, praying mantis, reduviid bugs etc
2. http://bugwoodcloud.org/images/768x512/0660061.jpg; 3. http://www7.inra.fr/hyppz/IMAGES/7030192.jpg: 4. http://vilkenart.se/Photos/883/Anarsia_spartiella_132101_1.jpg
24
8) Stem borer:
Biology:
Egg: Female lays ovoid, dirty white eggs under loose bark. Egg period is 4-6 days.
Grub: Full grown grub measures 7.5 cm and tunnels its way into the root region. Grub period is 6-7 months.
Pupa: Pupation occurs in a calcareous pupal chamber and pupal period is 60 days.
Adult: Adults lay eggs under loose bark in their early stages and into the wood in their late stages. Life cycle completed in
one year.
•• Symptoms of damage include presence of small
4. Adult
holes at the collar region, gummosis, extrusion of

frass through holes at the collar region, yellowing and
shedding of leaves, drying up of twigs and gradual
3. Pupa Stem borer, death of the tree.
•• Presence of small holes at the collar region
Plocaederus ferrugineus
•• Gummosis
•• Extrusion of frass through the bore holes at the collar
region
2. Larva
•• Yellowing and shedding of leaves
•• Drying up of twigs and gradual death of the tree.
2. http://agridr.in/tnauEAgri/eagri50/ENTO331/lecture18/cashew_001.html;
3. file:///C:/Users/hp/Downloads/59732-108897-1-PB.pdf; •• Sometimes until the adults emerge, no damage
4. http://www.nbair.res.in/insectpests/images/Neoplocaederus-ferrugineus7.jpg symptoms are seen.
Natural enemies of stemborer:
Predators: Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi, coccinellids, King crow, common mynah, wasp, dragonfly, spider, robber fly, reduviid
bug, praying mantis, fire ants, big eyed bugs (Geocoris sp), pentatomid bug (Eocanthecona furcellata), earwigs, ground
beetles, rove beetles etc.
9) Hairy caterpillar:
Biology:
Egg: Egg period is 5-7 days.
Larva: Caterpillar is dirty brown in colour with whitish hairs arising in tufts on small warts. Hairs are poisonous and irritating.
Head capsule and thoracic legs are coral red in colour. Larval period is 20-25 days.
Pupa: Larva pupates in soil in an earthen cocoon. Pupal period is 8-10 days.
Adult: It is a large moth with light yellowish brown wings, having faint lines. Female moth lays eggs in clusters on tender
parts.
•• Caterpillars gather in a cluster on the stem of the plants
4. Adult
during hot hours of day

•• They are active at night, defoliate the tree quickly and
Hairy caterpillar,
collect on the trunk
3. Pupa
Metanastria hyrtaca
•• The larva feeds on leaves causing defoliation
2. http://www.nbair.res.in/insectpests/images/Metanastria-hyrtaca18.jpg; 3. https://
upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/83/Lymantria_dispar_-_growth_A_-_07_-_
chrysalis_(2009-06-25).jp; 4. http://www.jpmoth.org/~dmoth/Digital_Moths_of_Asia/75_
LASIOCAMPOIDEA/Lasiocampidae/17_Metanastria/Metanastria%20hyrtaca/Metanastria%20
2. Larvae hyrtaca_080926240.jpg
Natural enemies of hairy caterpillar:

Predators: Predatory ant, lacewings, ladybird beetles, King crow, common mynah, wasp, dragonfly, spider, robber fly,
reduviid bug, praying mantis, red ants, big eyed bugs (Geocoris sp), pentatomid bug (Eocanthecona furcellata), earwigs,
ground beetles, rove beetles etc.
25
10) Leaf miner:

Biology:
Egg: Eggs are very tiny. They are laid inside the leaf tissue, just below the leaf surface. In some instances eggs are laid below
the epidermis of fruits/pods. Eggs hatch in about 3 days.
Larva: They are small yellow maggots. They are found feeding inside the leaf tissue, leaving long, slender, winding, white
tunnels (mines) through the leaf. They pass through 3 larval stages. After 5 to 7 days the maggots leave the mines and pupate
either on the leaf surface or - more commonly - in the soil. In some cases, maggots pupate within the mines.
Pupa: Pupae are very small, oval, slightly flattened ventrally with variable color varying from pale yellow-orange to golden-
brown. They have a pair of cone-like appendages at the posterior end of the body. Adults emerge 4 to 5 days after pupation.
Adult: Adults are small, about 2 mm long. They are greyish to black with yellow markings. Female flies are slightly larger than
males. The life cycle varies with host and temperature. The average life cycle is approximately 21 days in warm conditions,
but can be as short as 15 days.
•• Drying and dropping of leaves

4. Adult
15-21 days
Natural enemeis of leaf miner:

Parasitoids: Gronotoma micromorpha, Diglyphus isaea,
3. Pupa
Leaf miner,
Acroercops syngramma
Eggs are
microscopic
1. Eggs Halticoptera circulus, Opius phaseoli, Chrysocharis pentheus,
Neochrysocharis formosa
Predators: Lacewings, ladybird beetle, spiders, red ants etc.

2. Larva
2. http://www.nbair.res.in/insectpests/images/Acrocercops-syngramma1.jpg
3. http://www.daylilies.org/ahs_dictionary/Leafminer_puparium-Gaye-Williams.jpg
4. http://www.nbair.res.in/insectpests/thumbnails/Acrocercops-syngramma8.jpg
11) Spiraling whitefly:

Biology:
Egg: Female lays several (dozens) tiny, elliptical, smooth surfaced, yellow to tan eggs on lower surface of leaf along with
numerous tiny waxy secretions making an irregular, waxy lines (spiraling pattern).
Nymph: Nymphs go through four instars (immature stages). The first three are referred to as larvae and continuously feed
on plant sap. The first larval stage ("crawler") is the only immature stage with functional legs (capable for active movement)
and distinct antennae. All other immature stages are sedentary. Once the crawlers settle, they develop a characteristic row
of mid-back waxy tufts on the anterior of their body which continue to grow as more material is secreted. During the third
larval stage glass-like rods of wax appear along the sides of the body.
Pupa: The final and fourth immature stage is considered as pupa. This stage feeds during the earlier phases then stops
feeding and undergoes internal tissue reorganization before moulting into an adult.
Adult: The adults are similar in appearance to many other species of whiteflies. They are white and quite small measuring
2-3 mm in length and coated with a fine dust-like waxy secretion. They somewhat resemble tiny moths, and both sexes are
winged. The eyes of this whitefly are dark reddish-brown. Wings are transparent after emergence from the pupal casing, but
develop a white powder covering after a few hours. The forewings each have two characteristic black spots. Females begin
laying eggs within a day of emergence and continue to lay eggs throughout the lifetime. Unmated females produce only
male progeny while mated females produce both sexes.
26

4. Adult
•• Chlorotic spots
•• Yellowing
•• Downward curling and drying of leaves
•• Vector of leaf curl disease
3. Pupae
Spiraling Whitefly,
Aleurodicus dispersus 1. Eggs Natural enemies of whitefly:
Parasitoids: Encarsia formosa, Eretmocerus spp.,
Chrysocharis pentheus etc.
Predators: Dicyphus hesperus, lacewing, ladybird
beetle, big-eyed bugs (Geocoris sp) etc.
2. Nymph
1. http://www.nbair.res.in/insectpests/images/Aleurodicus-dispersus2.jpg; 2. http://idtools.org/id/
palms/sap/images/fs_images/Keys-White-Fly-on-Coconut.jpg; 3. http://idtools.org/id/palms/sap/
factsheet.php?name=Whiteflies; 4. http://www.extento.hawaii.edu/Kbase/crop/type/a_disper.htm
12) Scale:
Biology:
Nymph: Female scales give birth to living young that emerge from under the edge of the scale covering. Each female gives
birth to 200-400 nymphs. These tiny yellow crawlers wander in a random fashion until they find a suitable place to settle.
Adult: Immature male and female scales are indistinguishable until the first molt. At this time, the male scale covering begins
to elongate, while the females remain circular. Males molt a total of four times. Following the final molt, adult male scales
emerge from the scale covering as tiny, yellow winged insects. Female scales are very prolific and over a 6-week period can
produce approximately 400 young. Crawlers move around for a short period in search of a suitable place to settle. It takes 25
days for males to mature and 31 days for females. Five to six generations in a year.
•• Nymph and female scales attack all above ground parts.
3. Adult
25-31 days
•• Feeding site turns into a characteristic purplish red colour.

•• Initially growth of plant is checked but as scale increases in
number plant may die.
Scale, •• Fruits will have distinct “measles” spots on the surface.
Chloropulvinaria psidii Natural enemies of scales:
Parasitoids: Encarsia sp., Aphytis sp., etc.,
2. Nymphs 1. Eggs
Predator: Coccinellid (Pharoscymnus flexibilis) etc.
2. http://www.nbair.res.in/insectpests/images/Pulvinaria-psidii4.jpg
3. http://www.nbair.res.in/insectpests/Pulvinaria-psidii.php
27
Natural Enemies of Sapota Insect Pests

Parasitoids
1. Coccophagus cowperi 2. Parasitic wasp
3. Fopius arisanus 4. Diachasmimorpha kraussii

1. http://www2.hawaii.edu/~messing/projects.htm; 2. https://www.spc.int/pacifly/Control/Biocontrol.htm; 3. https://uribotanicalgardens.
wordpress.com/tag/biocontrol/; 4. http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/files/repository/calag/img6501p21.jpg
Predators
1. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri 2. Hover fly 3. Anthocorid bug
4. Ladybird beetle 5. Lacewing 6. Big-eyed bug (Geocoris sp)

1. http://www.macro-world.cz/image.php?id_foto=514&gal=29; 2. http://ucanr.edu/blogs/bugsquad/index.cfm?tagname=hover%20flies; 3. http://llladybug.blogspot.in/;
4. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Geocoris_punctipes.jpg; 5. http://www.nbaii.res.in/Featured_insects/Coccophagus-cowperi.php; 6. http://bugguide.net/node/view/175277
28
X. DESCRIPTION OF DISEASES
1) Leaf spot:
Disease symptoms:
•• Numerous, small, circular, pinkish to reddish brown, conspicuous spots with
whitish center on mature leaves
•• Spots coalesce and leaves drop prematurely.
Survival and spread:
•• The pathogen is seed borne fungus and inoculum present in the seeds
are source of primary infection. Fungus also survives on glumes, fruit
and plant debris.
Favourable conditions: Disease symptom
http://www.agritech.tnau.ac.in/crop_protection/crop_
prot_crop%20diseases_fruits_sapota.html
•• Rainy seasons favour the development of disease.
2) Sooty mould:
Disease symptoms:
•• It is a fungal disease developed on honeydew-like excretion secreted by aphids
and scale insects.
•• The fungus slowly covers the entire leaf area severely affecting the process of
photosynthesis.
•• This results in reduced translocation of food to the fruits, which leads to
reduction in their size.
•• The severity of infection depends on the honey dew secretions by Disease symptom
http://www.agritech.tnau.ac.in/crop_protection/crop_
the scale insects which provide the necessary medium for the fungal prot_crop%20diseases_fruits_sapota.html
growth.
•• Transmission occurs by air-borne ascospores.
Favourable conditions:
•• High humidity and moist situation favours the development of disease.
3) Fasiation:
Disease symptoms:
•• Branches of affected trees become flat and twisted
•• Leaves become thin, small and yellow
•• Cluster of leaves and flowers on affected twigs
•• Flowers remain infertile
•• If fruits are set, they are undersized, hard and fail to ripen.
4) Postharvest diseases:
4.1) Soft rot:
Disease symptoms:
•• The diseases appear as water-soaked spots covering the entire fruit within 3 to 4 days.
•• Rotted fruits become soft and dark brown and later numerous acervuli are seen in rotted zones.
•• The fungal colonies are yellowish white.
•• Mycelium is branched & septate.
29
•• Acervuli are black, globose to sub-globose

•• Conidiophores are short and simple and conidia are fusiform, 4-septata.
•• The pathogen is primarily a wound parasite and avoid injury to fruits.
•• Germination of spores is maximum at 300C & do not germinate below 150C or above 400C with RH above
96%
4.2) Fruit rot:
Disease symptoms:
•• Diseased fruits exhibited water-soaked lesions which become brown within 2 to 3 days. Subsequently the whole fruit is
covered with tufts of mycelium
•• Rain and the wind are conducive for spread.
•• The pathogen produces a great number of sporangia and spores on the surface of diseased tissues principally
when the temperature is near 25°C and this is an important sources of inoculum in the development of
epidemics.
•• Spores spread from the infected plant material or soil by rain splashes.
•• Cool, wet environmental conditions with high soil moisture favour disease development.
•• High humidity, temperature from 28-320C (25oC), poorly drained soils and injuries are favourable for
initiation of disease.
•• Close plantation.
5) Basal rot:
Disease symptoms:
•• Shortly after infection, the internal tissue of the seed piece turns red and eventually black.The black coloration results
from the production of fungal spores within the seed piece. Nodes act as partial barriers to the spread of rotting, but
with susceptible varieties, entire seed pieces may become colonized by the fungus. The disease severely retards bud
germination, shoot development and early shoot vigor. When severe, the disease may reduce germination over large
areas.
Survial, spread & favouable conditions:
•• The disease is essentially soilborne, being transmitted by the fungal spores present in the soil. The fungus is found mainly
in the top 25 cm of the soil profile. Infection occurs through wind-blown or rain-splashed spores gaining entry through
damaged tissue. Any factor that delays germination of the buds on the seed piece increases the likelihood of infection.
Excessively deep planting, wet or dry soil conditions and low temperature are all conducive to the development of the
disease.
6) Heart rot:
Disease symptoms
•• The symptom starts at calyx disc of the fruit during rainy season. Affected area is covered with whitish cotton like growth
which develops very fast as the fruit matures and pathogen is able to cover almost the entire surface within a period of
3-4 days during humid weather. Under high relative humidity, the fruits near the soil level covered with dense foliage
are most severely affected. The fallen fruits are badly affected.
30
•• The skin of the fruit below the whitish cottony growth becomes a little soft,turns light brown to dark brown and emits
a characteristics unpleasant smell.
•• Ultimately such fruits drop off from the tree.
•• Rain and the wind are conducivefor spread.
•• The pathogen produces a great number of sporangia and spores on the surface of diseased tissues principally
when the temperature is near 25°C and this is an important sourcesof inoculum in the development of epidemics.
•• Sporesspread from the infected plant material or soilby rain splashes
•• Cool, wet environmental conditions with high soil moisture favour disease development.
•• High humidity, temperaturefrom 28-320C (25 oC), poorly drained soils and injuries are favourablefor initiation of
disease. Close plantation.
7) Anthracnose :
Disease symptoms:
•• The disease causes serious losses to young shoots, flowers and fruits. It also affects fruits during storage.
•• The disease produces leaf spot, blossom blight, withertip, twig blight and fruit rot symptoms.
•• Tender shoots and foliage are easily affected which ultimately cause die back of young branches. Older twigs may
also be infected through wounds which in severe cases may be fatal.
•• Depending on the prevailing weather conditions blossom blight may vary in severity from slight to a heavy
infection of the panicles. Black spots develop on panicles as well as on fruits. Severe infection destroys the entire
inflorescence resulting in no setting of fruits.
•• Young infected fruits develop black spots, shrivel and drop off.
•• Fruits infected at mature stage carry the fungus into storage and cause considerable loss during storage, transit
and marketing.
•• Fungus survives in dead twig and other host for long time which is the source of primary infection.
Favourable conitions:
•• High humidity, frequent rains and a temperature of 24-32oC favours the development of disease
Disease cycles:
1. Sooty mould: 2. Leaf spot:
31
XI. SAFETY MEASURES

A. At the time of harvest:
Harvest the fruit when:
•• The brown scaly external material from the fruit sheds off.
•• Fruit becomes corky brown in color.
•• Latex does not flow when the fruit is scratched with the finger nail.
Precautions:
•• Harvest with the use of appropriate harvesting tools.
•• Detached fruits must not be allowed to fall to the ground.
B. During post-harvest storage:

•• Fruit must be carefully handled in order to prevent bruising and wounding.
•• Harvested fruit must not be exposed to direct sunlight, but should be kept under shade.
•• Harvested fruit must be collected in clean and dry plastic crates.
•• Defective fruits, i.e., those that are diseased, mechanically damaged and not marketable must be
separated out.
•• Fruits must be cleaned by wiping or brushing. They must not be immersed in water as the corky fruit peel
can retain moisture.
•• Fruits must be transported during the cooler part of the day, in well ventilated plastic crates under clean
and dry conditions.
•• Wetting of fruit during transportation must be avoided.
•• Fruit must be transported as quickly as possible to the final destination, to prevent spoilage.
•• Fruit destined for export must be packed in cardboard cartons lined with shredded paper to protect
against injury.
Storage
•• Ambient conditions: For temporary storage under ambient conditions, fruit must be stored in a cool, dry
place with adequate ventilation.
•• Cold storage: The fruits can be transported and stored at 13–15° C and a relative humidity 85–90%
http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/ags/publications/exotic_fruit_book_web.pdf
32
XII. DO’S AND DON’TS IN IPM

S.
Do’s Don’ts
No.
1 Deep ploughing is to be done on bright sunny days Do not plant or irrigate the orchard after ploughing, at least
during the months of May and June. The orchard should for 2-3 weeks, to allow desiccation of weed’s bulbs and/or
be kept exposed to sun light at least for 2-3 weeks. rhizomes of perennial weeds.
2 Plant only recommended varieties. Do not plant varieties not suitable for the season or the
region.
3 Always treat the planting materials with approved Do not use planting materials without seed treatment with
chemicals/biopesticides for the control of seed borne biopesticides/chemicals.
diseases/pests.
4 Plant in rows at optimum depths under proper moisture Do not plant planting material/seedlings beyond 5-7 cm
conditions for better establishment. depth.
5 Apply only recommended herbicides at recommended Pre-emergent as well as soil incorporated herbicides should
dose, proper time, as appropriate spray solution with not be applied in dry soils. Do not apply herbicides along
standard equipment along with flat fan or flat jet nozzles. with irrigation water or by mixing with soil, sand or urea.
6 Maintain optimum and healthy crop stand which would Crops should not be exposed to moisture deficit stress at
be capable of competing with weeds at a critical stage their critical growth stages.
of crop weed competition
7 Use NPK fertilizers as per the soil test recommendation. Avoid imbalanced use of fertilizers.
8 Use micronutrient mixture after sowing based on soil Do not apply any micronutrient mixture after sowing
test recommendations. without soil test recommendations.
9 Conduct AESA weekly in the morning preferably before Do not take any management decision without considering
9 a.m. Take decision on management practice based on AESA and P: D ratio
AESA and P: D ratio only.
10 In case of pests which are active during night spray Do not spray pesticides at midday since, most of the insects
recommended biopesticides/ chemicals at the time of are not active during this period.
their appearance in the night.
11 Spray pesticides thoroughly to treat the undersurface Do not spray pesticides only on the upper surface of leaves.
of the leaves, particularly for mites, scales, thrips, etc.
12 Apply short persistent pesticides to avoid pesticide Do not apply pesticides during preceding 7 days before
residue in the soil and produce. harvest.
13 Follow the recommended procedure of trap or border Do not apply long persistent on trap crop, otherwise it may
crops technology. not attract the pests and natural enemies.
33
XIII. BASIC PRECAUTIONS IN PESTICIDE USAGE

A. Purchase
1. Purchase only just required quantity e.g. 100, 250, 500, 1000 g/ml for single application in specified area.
2. Do not purchase leaking containers, loose, unsealed or torn bags; Do not purchase pesticides without
proper/approved labels.
3. While purchasing insist for invoice/bill/cash memo
B. Storage
1. Avoid storage of pesticides in house premises.
2. Keep only in original container with intact seal.
3. Do not transfer pesticides to other containers; Do not store expose to sunlight or rain water; Do not
weedicides along with other pesticides
4. Never keep them together with food or feed/fodder.
5. Keep away from reach of children and livestock.
C. Handling
1. Never carry/ transport pesticides along with food materials.
2. Avoid carrying bulk pesticides (dust/granules) on head shoulders or on the back.
D. Precautions for preparing spray solution
1. Use clean water.
2. Always protect your nose, eyes, mouth, ears and hands.
3. Use hand gloves, face mask and cover your head with cap.
4. Use polythene bags as hand gloves, handkerchiefs or piece of clean cloth as mask and a cap or towel to
cover the head (Do not use polythene bag contaminated with pesticides).
5. Read the label on the container before preparing spray solution.
6. Prepare the spray solution as per requirement
7. Do not mix granules with water; Do not eat, drink, smoke or chew while preparing solution
8. Concentrated pesticides must not fall on hands etc while opening sealed container. Do not smell
pesticides.
9. Avoid spilling of pesticides while filling the sprayer tank.
10. The operator should protect his bare feet and hands with polythene bags
E. Equipments
1. Select right kind of equipment.
2. Do not use leaky and defective equipments
3. Select right kind of nozzles
4. Don’t blow/clean clogged nozzle with mouth. Use old tooth brush tied with the sprayer and clean with
water.
5. Do not use same sprayer for weedicide and insecticide.
F. Precautions for applying pesticides
1. Apply only at recommended dose and dilution
2. Do not apply on hot sunny day or strong windy condition; Do not apply just before the rains and after
the rains; Do not apply against the windy direction
3. Emulsifiable concentrate formulations should not be used for spraying with battery operated ULV
sprayer
4. Wash the sprayer and buckets etc with soap water after spraying
5. Containers buckets etc used for mixing pesticides should not be used for domestic purpose
6. Avoid entry of animals and workers in the field immediately after spraying
7. Avoid tank mixing of different pesticides
G. Disposal
1. Left over spray solution should not be drained in ponds or water lines etc. throw it in barren isolated area
if possible
2. The used/empty containers should be crushed with a stone/stick and buried deep into soil away from
water source.
3. Never reuse empty pesticides container for any other purpose.
34
XIV. Pesticide application techniques

Equipments
Category A: Stationary, crawling pests/diseases
Vegetative stage Insecticides and • Lever operated knapsack sprayer (droplets of
i) For crawling and fungicides big size)
soil borne pests • Hollow cone nozzle @ 35 to 40 psi
• Lever operating speed = 15 to 20 strokes/min
or
• Motorized knapsack sprayer or mist blower
ii) For small sucking (droplets of small size)
leaf borne pests • Airblast nozzle
• Operating speed: 2/3rd throttle
Reproductive stage Insecticides and • Lever operated knapsack sprayer (droplets of

fungicides big size)
• Hollow cone nozzle @ 35 to 40 psi
Category B: Field flying pests/airborne pests

Vegetative stage Insecticides and • Motorized knapsack sprayer or mist blower
Reproductive stage fungicides (droplets of small size)
(Field Pests) • Airblast nozzle
• Operating speed: 2/3rd throttle
Or
• Battery operated low volume sprayer (droplets
of small size)
• Spinning disc nozzle

Mosquito/ locust Insecticides and • Fogging machine and ENV (exhaust nozzle
and spatial fungicides vehicle) (droplets of very small size)
application • Hot tube nozzle
(migratory Pests)
Category C: Weeds
Post-emergence Weedicide • Lever operated knapsack sprayer (droplets of
application big size)
• Flat fan or floodjet nozzle @ 15 to 20 psi
Pre-emergence Weedicide • Trolley mounted low volume sprayer (droplets

application of small size)
• Battery operated low volume sprayer (droplets
of small size)
35
XV. Operational, calibration and maintenance guidelines in brief

1. For application rate and dosage see the label and leaflet of the
particular pesticide.
2. It is advisable to check the output of the sprayer (calibration) before

commencement of spraying under guidance of trained person.

3. Clean and wash the machines and nozzles and store in dry place
after use.
4. It is advisable to use protective clothing, face mask and gloves while

preparing and applying pesticides.
Do not apply pesticides without protective clothing and wash
clothes immediately after spray application.
5. Do not apply in hot or windy conditions.
6. Operator should maintain normal walking speed while undertaking

application.
7. Do not smoke, chew or eat while undertaking the spraying operation
8. Operator should take proper bath with soap after completing

spraying
9. Do not blow the nozzle with mouth for any blockages. Clean with
water and a soft brush.
36
XVI. REFERENCES
•• http://www2.hawaii.edu/~messing/projects.htm
•• https://www.spc.int/pacifly/Control/Biocontrol.htm
•• https://uribotanicalgardens.wordpress.com/tag/biocontrol/
•• http://www.macro-world.cz/image.php?id_foto=514&gal=29
•• http://ucanr.edu/blogs/bugsquad/index.cfm?tagname=hover%20flies
•• http://llladybug.blogspot.in/
•• http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Geocoris_punctipes.jpg
•• http://www.nbaii.res.in/Featured_insects/Coccophagus-cowperi.php
•• http://bugguide.net/node/view/175277
•• http://www.agritech.tnau.ac.in/crop_protection/crop_prot_crop%20diseases_fruits_sapota.htm
•• http://www.agritech.tnau.ac.in/crop_protection/crop_prot_crop%20diseases_fruits_sapota.html
•• http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/ags/publications/exotic_fruit_book_web.pdf
•• Gurr, GM, Wratten, SD and Altieri MA (2004a) Ecological Engineering for Pest Management Advances in Habitat
Manipulation for Arthropods. CSIRO PUBLISHING, Collingwood, Australia.
•• Gurr GM, Wratten SD and Altieri MA (2004b) Ecological Engineering: a new direction for pest management.
AFBM Journal 1: 28-35.
•• http://agritech.tnau.ac.in/crop_protection/sapota/sapota_1.html
•• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anarsia_epotias
•• http://agridr.in/tnauEAgri/eagri50/ENTO331/lecture19/sapota_002.html
•• http://www.nbair.res.in/insectpests/Neoplocaederus-ferrugineus.php
•• http://agritech.tnau.ac.in/crop_protection/sapota/sapota_3.html
•• http://www.mothsofborneo.com/part-3/lasiocampidae/lasiocampidae_2.php
•• http://www.faculty.ucr.edu/~legneref/biotact/ch-57.htm
•• http://www.nbair.res.in/insectpests/Apoderus-tranquebaricus.php
•• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eteoryctis_syngramma
•• http://www.eppo.int/QUARANTINE/insects/Bactrocera_zonata/DS_Bactrocera_zonata.pdf
•• http://agridr.in/tnauEAgri/eagri50/ENTO331/lecture18/cashew_001.html
•• http://www.nbair.res.in/insectpests/Pulvinaria-psidii.php
•• http://agritech.tnau.ac.in/crop_protection/crop_prot_crop_insectpest%20_sapota_pest&disease.html
37
Important Natural Enemies of Sapota Insect Pests
Parasitoids Plants Suitable for Ecological Engineering in

Sapota Orchard
Coccophagus cowperi Parasitic wasp

Fopios arisanus Diachasmimorpha kraussi

Predators

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Hover fly Ladybird beetle

Geocoris spp. Lacewing Big-eyed bug
AESA BASED IPM Package
SAPOTA
Balaji Scan Pvt. Ltd., Tel : 040-2330 3424
, ,
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Sapota: Aesa Based Ipm Package

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AESA BASED IPM Package

Balaji Scan Pvt. Ltd., Tel : 040-2330 3424

Parasitoids Plants Suitable for Ecological Engineering in

Coccophagus cowperi Parasitic wasp

Fopios arisanus Diachasmimorpha kraussi

Maize Mustard French bean

Marigold Coriander Chrysanthemum

NIPHM Working Group:

Contributions by DPPQ&S Experts:

Contributions by External Experts:

Front cover picture Model AESA chart for Sapota

Back cover picture Sapota Orchard

Published by National Institute of Plant Health Management, Rajendranagar,

Copies: 1,000; March, 2015

Contact APPA - IPM, Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage,

Printed at Balaji Scan Pvt. Ltd.,

Date : 6.3.2014 (Avinash K. Srivastava)

(Utpal Kumar Singh)

Dr. K. SATYAGOPAL, IAS

A. Pests of National Significance.......................................................................................................... 1

B. Pests of Regional Significance.......................................................................................................... 2

II. Agro-Ecosystem Analysis based Integrated Pest Management (IPM)................................................. 3

C. Surveillance through pheromone trap catches.............................................................................. 9

D. Yellow pan water/ sticky traps ......................................................................................................... 9

III. Ecological engineering for pest management...................................................................................... 10

IV. Resistant/tolerant varieties..................................................................................................................... 13

V. Crop stage-wise IPM................................................................................................................................ 13

VI. Insecticide resistance and its management........................................................................................... 18

VII. Nutritional deficiencies........................................................................................................................... 19

VIII. Common weeds........................................................................................................................................ 21

IX. Description of insect pests...................................................................................................................... 22

XI. Safety measures....................................................................................................................................... 32

A. At the time of harvest....................................................................................................................... 32

B. During post-harvest storage............................................................................................................ 32

XII. Do’s and Don’ts in IPM............................................................................................................................. 33

XIII. Basic precautions in pesticide usage...................................................................................................... 34

XIV. Pesticide application techniques............................................................................................................ 35

XV. Operational, calibration and maintenance guidelines in brief............................................................ 36

AESA BASED IPM PACKAGE FOR SAPOTA

B. Pests of Regional Significance

II. AGRO-ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS (AESA) BASED INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM)

Principles of AESA based IPM:

Plant compensation ability:

Understand and conserve defenders:

Pest: Defender ratio (P: D ratio):

Model Agro-Ecosystem Analysis Chart

Decision taken based on the analysis of orchard situations

•• Growers can share their knowledge with other growers

•• Is there any serious pest or disease outbreak?

Advantages of AESA over ETL:

AESA and farmer field school (FFS):

FFS to teach AESA based IPM skills:

C. Surveillance through pheromone/attractant trap catches:

D. Yellow pan water/ sticky traps:

III. ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING FOR PEST MANAGEMENT

Ecological Engineering for Pest Management – Below Ground:

Ecological Engineering for Pest Management – Above Ground:

Natural enemies may require:

In order to attract natural enemies following activities should be practiced: