AESA BASED PACKAGE

TEA

Directorate of Plant Protection Quarantine

and Storage
N. H. IV, Faridabad, Haryana

National Institute of Plant Health

Management
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telaangana

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND COOPERATION

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

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

: Dr. Satyagopal Korlapati, IAS, Director General

: 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. Satish Kumar Sain, Assistant Director (PHM), Pathology Expertise.
4. Dr. Dhana Raj Boina, Assistant Director (PHM), Entomology Expertise.
5. Sri. D. Chatopadhyaya, Assistant Director (PHM), Entomology Expertise.
Other Members
:
1. Dr. B. S. Sunanda, Assistant Scientific Officer (PHM), Nematology Expertise.
Contributions by DPPQ&S Experts:
1. Shri. Ram Asre, Additional Plant Protection Advisor (IPM),
2. Dr. K. S. Kapoor, Deputy Director (Entomology),
3. Dr. Sanjay Arya, Deputy Director (Plant Pathology),
4. Dr. Subhash Kumar, Deputy Director (Weed Science)
5. Dr. C. S. Patni, Plant Protection Officer (Plant Pathology)
Contributions by External Experts:
1. Dr. Somanth Roy, Scientist C, Department of Entomology, Tocklai Tea Research
Institute, Tea Research Association, Jorhat 785008, Assam, India
2. Dr. Hitendra Kumar Rai, Senior Scientist, Department of Soil Science & Agricultural
Chemistry, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur
3. Prof. T.K.Hath, Department of Agril. Entomology. UBKV, Pundibari, Coochbehar, WB
4. Dr. Nripendra Laskar, Asst. Prof., Department of Agriculture Entomology UBKV,
Pundibari, Coochbehar, WB.
5. Dr. Ayan Roy, Associate Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, UBKV, Pundibari,
Coochbehar, WB.
6. Dr. Surajit Khalko, Asst. Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, UBKV, Pundibari,
Coochbehar, WB.

CONTENTS
Tea-Plant description
I. Pests
A. Pests of National Significance
1.
Insect pests
2.
Diseases
3.
Weeds
4.
Nematodes
B. Pests of Regional Significance
1. Insect and mites pests
2. Diseases
3. Nematodes
II. Agro-ecosystem analysis (AESA) based integrated pest management (IPM)
A. AESA
B. Field scouting
C. Surveillance through pheromone trap catches
D: Yellow pan water/Blue sticky traps
E. Light traps
F. Nematode extraction
III. Ecological engineering for pest management
IV. Crop stage-wise IPM
V. Insecticide resistance and its management
VI. Nutrient deficiency symptoms
VII. Common weeds
VIII. Description of insects, mites and nematode pests
IX. Description of diseases
X. Safety measures
A. Pre-harvesting
XI. Dos and Donts in IPM
XII. Safety parameters in pesticide usage
XIII. Basic precautions in pesticides usage
XIV. Pesticide application techniques
XV. Operational, calibration and maintenance guidelines in brief
XVI. References

AESA BASED IPM PACKAGE FOR TEA

Tea-Plant description:
Camellia sinensis is native to East commonly called as tea belong to family
Theaceae, South and Southeast Asia, but it is today cultivated across the world in tropical and
subtropical regions. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree that is usually trimmed to below 2 m
(6.6 ft) when cultivated for its leaves. It has a strong taproot. The flowers are yellow-white, 2.5
4 cm (0.981.57 in) in diameter, with 7 to 8 petals. The leaves are 415 cm (1.65.9 in) long
and 25 cm (0.791.97 in) broad. Fresh leaves contain about 4% caffeine. The young, light
green leaves are preferably harvested for tea production; they have short white hairs on the
underside. Older leaves are deeper green. Different leaf ages produce differing tea qualities,
since their chemical compositions are different. Usually, the tip (bud) and the first two to three
leaves are harvested for processing. The leaves have been used in traditional Chinese
medicine and other medical systems to treat asthma (functioning as a bronchodilator),angina
pectoris, peripheral vascular disease, and coronary artery disease. The seeds of Camellia
sinensis and Camellia oleifera can be pressed to yield tea oil, a sweetish seasoning and
cooking oil that should not be confused with tea tree oil, an essential oil that is used for medical
and cosmetic purposes, and originates from the leaves of a different plant, while both green and
black teas may protect against cardiovascular disease.

I. PESTS
A. Pests of National Significance
I. Pests and mites
1.1 Tea mosquito bug: Helopeltis theivora Waterhouse (Miridae: Hemiptera)
1.2 Thrips: Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thripidae: Thysanoptera)
1.3 Jassid: Empoasca flavescens Fab. (Cicadellidae: Hemiptera)
1.4 Aphids: Toxoptera aurantii Boyer de Fonscolombe (Aphididae: Hemiptera)
1.5 Leaf eating caterpillar: Spodoptera litura Fab (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera)
1.6 Bunch caterpillar: Andraca bipunctata Walker (Bombycidae: Lepidoptera)
1.7 Red spider mite: Oligonychus coffeae Nietner (Tetranychidae: Acari)
1.8 Tea looper complex: Buzura suppressaria Guen (Geometridae: Lepidoptera),
Hyposidra talaca (Walker), H. infixaria (Walker) (Geometridae: Lepidoptera)

1.9 Shot hole borer: Euwallacea fornicates Eichhoff (Scolytidae: Coleoptera)

1.10 Live wood eating termite: Microcerotermes sp. (Isoptera:Termitidae)
1.11 Scavenging termites: Odontermes sp. (Isoptera:Termitidae)
2. Diseases
2.1 Brown and Grey blight: Colletotrichum sp. & Pestalotiopsis theae (Sawada) Steyaert
2.2 Black rot: Corticium theae, C. invisum

2.3 Blister blight: Exobasidium vexans Massee

2.4 Red rust: Cephaleuros parasiticus Scot Nelson, C,mycoides
2.5 Poria branch canker: Poria hypobrunnea Petch
2.6 Charcol stump rot: Ustulina zonata (Lv.) Sacc.
2.7 Brown root rot disease: Fomes lamoensis

3. Weeds
Broad leaf
3.1 Goat weed: Ageratum conyzoides L. (Asteraceae)
3.2 Landrina: Borreria hispida L. (Rubiaceae)
3.3 Tropical spider wort: Commelina benghalensis L. (Commelinaceae)
3.4 Hill glory bower: Clerodendron infortunatum L. (Verbinaceae)
3.5 Malabar melastome: Melastoma malabathricum L. (Melastomataceae)
3.6 Bitter Vine: Mikania micrantha Kunth (Aseteraceae)
3.7 Non tai baihong: Pouzolzia indica (L.) G. Benn (Urticaceae)
3.8 Congo jute: Urena lobata L. (Malvaceae)
3.9 Wood sorrels: Oxalis corymbosa L., O. acetocella (Oxalidaceae)
3.10 Kuppaimeni: Acalypha indica L. (Euphorbiaceae)
3.11 Common wireweed: Sida acuta Burm.f. (Malvaceae)
3.12 Aligator yam: Ipomea digitata L. (Convolvulaceae)
3.13 Cichorium: Cichorium intybus L. (Astaraceae)
3.14 False amaranth: Digera arvensis Forsk. (Amaranthaceae)
3.15 Asthma plant: Euphorbia spp. (Euphorbiaceae)
Grasses
3.16 Buffalo grass: Paspalum conjugatum L. (Poaceae)
3.17 Torpedo grass: Pannicum repens L. (Poaceae)
3.18 Blady grass: Imperata cylendrica (L.) P.Beauv. (Poaceae)
3.19 Hairy crabgrass: Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. (Poaceae)
3.20 Indian goosegrass: Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. (Poaceae)

3.21 Blanket grass: Axonopus compressus (Sw.) P.Beauv. (Poaceae)

3.22 Bermuda grass: Cynadon dactylon L. (Poaceae)
3.23 Kans grass: Saccharum spontanium L. (Poaceae)
Sedges
3.24 Purple nutsedge: Cyperus rotundus L. (Cyperaceae)
3.25 Yellow nutsedge: Cyperus esculentus L. (Cyperaceae)
4. Nematodes
1. Root knot nematode: Meloidogyne spp (Heteroderidae: Tylenchida)
2. Root lesion nematode: Pratylenchus spp
B. Pests of Minor Significance
1. Pests and mites
1.1 Flush worm: Cydia leucostoma Meyrick (Tortricidae: Lepidoptera)
1.2 Pink and Purple mite: Acaphylla theae Watt and Calacarus carinatus Green
(Eriophyidae: Acarina)
1.3 Scarlet mite: Brevipalpus phoenicis Geijskes (Tenuipalpidae : Acarina)
1.4 Yellow mite: Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks (Tarsonemidae: Acarina)
1.5 Leaf roller: Caloptilia theivora Walsingham (Gracillariidae: Lepidoptera)
1.6 Scales: Saissetia formicarii Takahashi, S. coffeae Walker, Eriochiton theae Green,
Coccus viridis Green (Coccidae: Hemiptera)
1.7 Tea tortrix: Homona coffearia Nietner (Tortricide: Lepidoptera)
2. Diseases
2.1 Black root disease: Rosellinia arcuata Petch
2.2 Charcoal stump rot: Ustulina zonata (Lv.) Sacc.
2.3 Collar canker: Phomopsis theae Petch
2.4 Branch Canker: Poria hypobrunnea Petch
2.5 Twig die back, stem canker: Macrophoma theicola Siemaszko
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 planters. The
economic threshold level (ETL) was the basis for several decades but in modern IPM (FAO
2002) emphasis is given to AESA where planters take decisions based on larger range of field
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 agroecosystem. Planters have 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/planters 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
planters 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
Planters past experience
Principles of AESA based Integrated Pest Management (IPM):
Grow a healthy crop

Select a variety relatively tolerant variety to major pests.

Follow TRA /U proper spacing.
Soil health improvement (mulching and green manuring).
Nutrient management especially organic manures and biofertilizers based on the soil
test results. If the dosage of nitrogenous fertilizers is too high the crop becomes too
succulent and therefore susceptible to insects and diseases. If the dosage is too low, the
crop growth is retarded. So, the planters should apply an adequate for best results. The
phosphatic fertilizers should not be applied each and every season as the residual
phosphate of the previous season will be available for the current season also.
Proper irrigation.

Observe the field regularly (climatic factors, soil and biotic factors)
Planters should:
Monitor the field situations at least once a week (soil, water, plants, pests, natural
enemies, weather factors etc.).
Make decisions based on the field situation and P: D ratio.
Take direct action when needed (e.g. collect egg masses, remove infested plants etc.).

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 field various types of insects are present. Some are beneficial and some may be harmful.
Generally planters are not aware about it. Predators (friends of the planters) which feed on
pests are not easy to observe in crop field. Insect zoo concept can be helpful to enhance
planters skill to identify beneficial and harmful insects. In this method, unfamiliar/unknown
predators are collected in plastic containers with brush from the field and brought to a place for
study. Each predator 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 planters 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 tea insect pests can be
divided into 3 categories 1. parasitoids; 2. predators; and 3. pathogens.

Model Agro-Ecosystem Analysis Chart

Date:
Village:
Planters:

Decision taken based on the analysis of field 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 safe 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 planters 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
Planters become experts in crop management
Planters have to make timely decisions about the management of their crops. AESA planters
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 planters should also be
considered for decision making. However, as field conditions continue to change and new
technologies become available, planters need to continue improving their skills and knowledge.

Planters are capable of improving farming practices by experimentation

Planters can share their knowledge with other planters

AESA methodology

Go to the field in groups (about 5 planters per group). Walk across the field and choose
20 plants/acre randomly. Observe keenly each of these plants and record your
observations:

Plant: Observe the plant height, number of branches, crop stage, deficiency
symptoms etc.
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 conditions.

While walking in the field, 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 situations in detail and present their observations
and analysis in a drawing (the AESA drawing).
Each drawing will show a plant representing the field situation. The weather condition,
water level, disease symptoms, etc. will be shown in the drawing. Pest insects 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 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
Planters should record data in a notebook and drawing on a chart

Keeping records of what has happened help us making an analysis and draw
conclusions

Data to be recorded:

Plant growth (weekly): Height of plant; number of branches

Crop situation (e.g. for AESA): Plant health; pests, diseases, weeds; natural enemies;
soil condition; 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 field.

What crop management aspect is most important at this moment?
Is there a big change in crop situation compared to last visit? What kind of change?
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 crop 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. Planters cannot base their decisions on just a simple
count of pests. They will have to consider many other aspects of the crop (crop 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 planter field school (FFS)
AESA is a season-long training activity that takes place in the planter field. It is season-long so
that it covers all the different developmental stages of the crop 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.
Planters 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

Active involvement of the farmers

Participatory

Practical

Farmers learn from other IPM

farmers
Not classroom training
Active involvement of the farmers
Group meetings

Regular meetings

Throughout cropping season

Learning through
field experiments

Design studies to solve problems

Problem oriented

Farmers choose topics

Guided by IPM facilitator

AESA based IPM
training for farmers

Learning by doing

Learning about crop ecology

Understanding role of beneficial insects

B. Field scouting
AESA requires skill. So only the trained planters can undertake this exercise. However, other
planters also can do field scouting in their own fields at regular intervals to monitor the major
pest situation.

Surveillance on pest occurrence in the main field should commence soon after crop
establishment and at weekly intervals thereafter. In field, select five spots randomly. Select five
random plants at each spot for recording counts of insects as per procedure finalized for
individual insects
For insect pests:
Aphids: Count and record the number of both nymphs and adults on three randomly selected
leaves (top, middle and bottom) per plant.
Thrips: Thrips population will have to be assessed at periodical interval by collecting 100
shoots at random from each area and counting the number of adult and larval thrips. Attention
may be paid to collect the shoots from the plucking table, below the plucking table and also from
side branches.
Tea mosquito bug: The percentage of infestation has to be assessed by collecting 100 shoots
from pluckers basket and counting the infested shoots.
Caterpillar pests: Flushworm /leaf roller/tea tortrix population has to be assessed by counting
the number of infected shoots from bushes selected at random from that particular area.
Red spider mites: One hundred leaves may be sampled from different areas of the particular
field and the number of infested leaves may be counted to find out percentage of infested level.
Eriophyid mites: Pink & purple mite populations have to be assessed at periodical interval by
collecting 100 leaves from 100 bushes selected at random from each area. From each leaf, pink
& purple mites have to be counted with the help of hand lens.
Shot hole borer: To assess the extent of SBH infestation in individual tea field, the fields has to
be divided into 2 ha blocks and from each block one hundred stem cuttings are to be taken at
random. Attention may be paid to collect stem of 1-1.5 cm diam. and 20 cm long.
Blister blight: To assess the blister blight disease incidence, one hundred shoots of the same
age (three leaves and a bud) and of uniform size have to be collected randomly from the
harvest during every plucking interval. The collected shoots have to be examined for various
stages of blister lesions. A shoot have to be counted as infected even if a single lesion was
noticed. The disease incidence can be quantified on percentage basis.
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). It is often necessary to wash the roots
with water to examine them properly. If the roots are well developed, cut them to examine the
roots for internal infections (discolouration & signs). Count the total number of roots
damaged/infested/infected due to rot should be counted and incidence should be recorded.
Leaf sampling: Examine all leaves and/or sheaths of each plant for lesions. 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. Determine the percent area of leaf infection by
counting the number of leaves (leaf area diameter)/plant infected due to disease and incidence
should be recorded.
Stem and flowers/fruits sampling: Carefully examine the stem and flowers/fruits of plants for
symptoms and signs of fungal or bacterial diseases. The stem, flower, and fruits should be split
or taken apart and examined for discoloration caused by fungi and bacteria. Count the number
of stems and flowers/fruits infected due to disease and percent disease incidence should be
recorded.
C. Surveillance through pheromone trap catches:
Pheromone traps for Spodoptera litura and Caloptilia theivora @ 4-5 traps/acre have to be
installed. Install the traps for each species separated by a distance of >75 feet in the vicinity of
the selected fixed field. Fix the traps to the supporting pole at a height of one foot above the
plant canopy. Change of lures should be made at 2-3 week interval (regular interval). During
each week of surveillance, the number of moths/trap should be counted and recorded year
round. The trapped moths should be removed and destroyed after each recording.
D. Yellow pan water / Blue sticky traps
Set up yellow pan water trap/sticky traps 15 cm above the canopy for monitoring aphids and
blue sticky trap for thrips @ 4-5 traps/acre. Locally available empty tins can be painted
yellow/blue and coated with grease/vaseline/castor oil on outer surface may also be used.
E. Light traps
Set up light traps @ 1 trap/acre 15 cm above the crop canopy for monitoring and mass trapping
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).
F. Nematode extraction
Collect 100 to 300 cm3 (200-300 g) representative soil sample. Mix soil sample and pass
through a coarse sieve to remove small stones, roots, etc. Take a 600 cc subsample of soil,
pack lightly into a beaker uniformly. Place soil in one of the buckets or pans half filled with
water. Mix soil and water by stirring with paddle; allow to stand until water almost stops swirling.
Pour all but heavy sediment through 20-mesh sieve into second bucket; discard residue in first
bucket; discard material caught on sieve. Stir material in second bucket; allow to stand until
water almost stops swirling. Pour all but heavy sediment through 60-mesh sieve into first
bucket; discard residue in second bucket. Backwash material caught on 200-mesh sieve (which
includes large nematodes) into 250-ml beaker. Stir material in first bucket; allow to stand until
water almost stops swirling. Pour all but heavy sediment through 325-mesh sieve into second
bucket; discard residue in first bucket. Backwash material caught on 325-mesh sieve (which

includes small to mid-sized nematodes and silty material) into 250-ml beaker. More than 90% of
the live nematodes are recovered in the first 5-8 mm of water drawn from the rubber tubing and
the sample is placed in a shallow dish for examination.
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.

Crop rotations with leguminous plants which enhance nitrogen content.

Keep soils covered year-round with living vegetation and/or crop 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 seed/seedling/planting materials in the nurseries and field 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).

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 field 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 field.
Not to uproot weed plants those are growing naturally such as Tridax procumbens,
Ageratumsp, 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.
Plants suitable for Ecological Engineering for Pest Management
Attractant plants

Cowpea

Buckwheat

Mustard

Carrot

French bean

Cosmos

Sunflower

Alfaalfa

Anise

Caraway

Dill

Chrysanthemum sp.

Repellent plants

Ocimum spp
Peppermint/Spearmint
Border plants

Maize

Sorghum
Trap plants

Castor

Marigold

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 research literature. However, the actual selection of flowering plants could
be based on availability, agro-climatic conditions and soil types.

IV. CROP STAGE WISE IPM

Management
Pre-planting*

Nutrients

Weeds

Activity
Common cultural practices:
Deep ploughing of fields during summer to control nematodes
population.
Soil solarization
Field sanitation, rogueing.
Destroy the alternate host plants
Apply manures and fertilizers as per soil test recommendations.
Growing castor, pea or marigold as a trap crop for the
management of Leaf miner and Spodoptera.
Plant tall border crops like maize, sorghum or millet to reduce pest
population.
Adopt ecological engineering by growing the attractant, repellent,
and trap crops around the field bunds.
Apply nutrients on the basis of soil test report and recommendation for the
agro-climatic zone.
Soils having pH around 5.0 are suitable for tea plantation.
For new plantation pits of 30 x 45 x 60 cm size are dug.
For application in nursery, a nutrient mixture should be prepared
with following composition;
Composition of the nutrient mixture: Ammonium phosphate
(20:20) 35 g, Muriate of Potash,12 g, Magnesium sulphate 15 g,
Zinc sulphate 3 g.
This nutrient mixture is applied in nursery @ 30 g dissolved in 10
litres of water over an area of 4 sq.m. This should be done
fortnightly.
Cultural control:
Deep plouging during summer
Stale seed bed technique
Keep boundaries of tea field weed free to prevent dispersal of
weed seed into the tea field.
Field should be well prepared by tillage operations and after tillage;
the underground reproductive propagules of weeds must be
collected and destroyed.

Insect pests and soil

borne diseases

Digging out of tubers and rhizomes of weeds is discouraged to

prevent re-infestation from fragmented underground propagules.
Cultural control:
Field Sanitation: Weeds like Mikania cordata, Bidens biternata,
Emillia sp., Polygonum Chinese and Lantana camara offer
excellent hiding places and serve as alternate host for the tea
masquito bug. Growth of weeds and wild host plants near in and
around tea field may be controlled and this will help to reduce the

Termites

growth of tea mosquito population.

For other adopt common practices.
Cultural control:
Bushes should be properly cleaned out at the time of pruning by
removing the snags, dead and diseased branches. Any earthen
materials like earth runs over the trunk and stems, earth
depositions on the collar of the bushes should be wiped
out/removed at the time of pruning
Pruning cuts should be painted with indopaste or copper fungicide
or Trichoderma bio-cide. Remains of old shade tree stumps inside
the sections should also be cleaned and treated/removed
permanently.
Improve drainage condition in the termite prone fields.
Improve shade status of the tea fields.
Destroy termite mounds and queens. Remove earth runs and fork
the soil around collar region of the infested tea bushes/ shade
trees before application of pesticides.
Weeds like grasses etc. within radius of 30cm from the collar
region of the bushes should be cleaned.
In tea sections where live wood eating termite is noticed, the
mulching materials should also be sprayed with recommended
chemicals.

Nematodes

Keep the soil is in moist condition for effective spraying and

control. Slight irrigation before and after spraying improves
condition of the (hard and dry) soil for absorption of pesticide.
Cultural control:
Soil from the nursery site should be tested for eelworm population
and acidity status. If the population of eelworm is found to be 6 or
above per10g of soil tested, it is considered to be unsuitable for
use.

Preparation of the nursery bed should be done by harrowing and

ploughing to expose and dry the un-decomposed weeds and roots
of the plants. All sorts of mulching materials should be kept away
from the seed nursery to avoid nematode infestation.

Plant parasitic nematodes can be killed by uniform heating (after

sieving) of the soil up to 60 70C for 4-5 minutes on plain tin
sheets. The soil can be used after heat treatment.

Removal of weed hosts from nursery beds will help in minimizing

the population build-up.

Soil sampling in the estates is should be systematic following

appropriate procedure to avoid errors in the assessment of
eelworm.
Chemical control:

Carbofuran 3% CG@ 33.10 g/plant

Nursery and seedling*

Weeds
Planting*
Nutrients
Weeds

Nematode and soil borne

diseases

Mites

Use the certified and weed free seeds or healthy cuttings.

Keep the nursery weed free by hand pulling of the weeds.

Pits are filled with top soil and organic manure mixed with
Trichoderma.
Closer spacing of tea plants, inter-planting, and use of quick
growing planting materials will help uniform ground coverage and
thereby reduce weed growth.
Plant cover crop/green manure between rows to avoid ground
exposure.
Use weed free compost and straw mulches.
Mulching with biodegradable materials after planting or preemergent herbicides like Oxyflourfen 23.5% EC @ 260 -400 l in
200-300 l of water/acre within 2-3 days after planting may be used
if weed flora (Digiteria, Imperata, Paspalum) of the field is known
based on previous year.
Cultural control:
Select healthy and disease free seeds.
Use resistant tolerant varieties.
Miling with straw/pine needles/eucalyptus leaves.
Cultural control:

Grow nurseries away from infested crops and avoid planting next to
infested fields
Grow healthy crops; avoid water and nutrient stress
Apply mulch and incorporate organic matter into the soil to improve
the water holding capacity and reduce evaporation
Keep perennial hedges such as pigeon peas, they are said to
encourage predatory mites
* Apply Trichoderma viride/harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens as seed and nursery treatment
and soil application (If Commercial products are used, check for label claim. However, biopesticides
produced by planters for own consumption in their fields, registration is not required).
Vegetative
Common cultural practices:
Collect and destroy diseased and insect infected plant parts.
Provide irrigation at critical stages of the crop
Avoid water stress and water stagnation conditions.
Enhance parasitic activity by avoiding chemical spray, when 1-2
larval parasitoids are observed
Common mechanical practices:
Collection and destruction of eggs and early stage larvae
Handpick the older larvae during early stages
The infested shoots may be collected and destroyed
Handpick the gregarious caterpillars and the cocoons which are
found on stem and destroy them in kerosene mixed water.
Use yellow sticky traps for aphids and leaf minor and blue sticky
trap for thrips @ 4-5 trap/acre.

Nutrients

Weeds

Use light trap @ 1/acre and operate between 6 pm and 10 pm

Install pheromone traps @ 4-5/acre for monitoring adult moths
activity (replace the lures with fresh lures after every 2-3 weeks)
Erecting of bird perches @ 20/acre for encouraging predatory birds
such as King crow, common mynah etc.
Set up bonfire during evening hours at 7-8 pm
Common biological practices:
Conserve natural enemies through ecological engineering
Augmentative release of natural enemies.
Manuring of young tea commences two months after planting. The
ratio and source of nutrients vary according to soil reaction (pH).
Rates of fertilizer are kept slightly higher in soils with pH above 5.
Apply phosphorus at 36 Kg/acre every year in one application.
Application of fertilizers should be done before the onset of
monsoon. Fertilizers should be broadcast around the drip circle
avoiding contact with the collar.
Total weight Kg/acre
Year of
No. of
/annum
application
applications
N
K
I year
72
110
5
II year
112
150
6
III year
120
180
6
IV year
120
120
6
onwards

Remove the major weeds and creepers like Mikania micrantha by

hand weeding or slashing.

Use Cheel hoe with a half-moon shaped blade in freshly planted

areas for scraping the aboveground parts of the weeds and
leveling the local depressions in the ground.

Cut the top growth of weeds in young tea areas with sickles. But
perennial grasses like Imperata, Saccharum etc. should be
removed.

Since mulching cannot be done near to the collar of the plant,

removal of sporadic weed growth is necessary.

Weeds removed from the field should be taken outside the

cropped area and heaped. Regrowth of rhizomatous and tuberous
weeds inside the heap should be removed periodically. Before
using in compost-pits, proper decomposition of all vegetative
propagules must be ensured.

While practicing strip weeding in slopes the uncontrolled strip

should be subjected to manual slashing

In mature tea areas, where pruning is due in the later months, one
time winter application of any one of the below listed herbicide may
be adopted as per weed infestation in the field as post emergence

application, when weeds are young and at active vegetative

growth stage. Rotation of available herbicides will take care of
plant succession and herbicidal resistance.
Chemical control:
Glufosinate ammonium 13.5% SL (15% w/v) @ 1.0-1.32 l in 150200 l of water/acre for the management of Panicum repens,
Borreria hispida, Imperata cylindrical, Digitaria
sanguinalis,Commelina benghalensis, Ageratum conyzoides,
Eleusine indica, Paspalum conjugatum weeds.
Glyphosate 41% SL IPA Salt @ 0.8- 1.2 l in 180 l of water/acre for
the management of Axonopus compressus, Cynodon dactylon,
Imperata cylindrical, Polygonum perfoliatum, Paspalum
scrobiculatum, Arundinella, bengalensis, Kalm grass.
Glyphosate ammonium Salt 5% SL @ 12 l in 200 l of water/acre
for the management of Cynodon dactylon, Digitaria sanguinalis,
Paspalum conjugatum, Ageratum conyzoides, Biden pilosa ,
Cyperus rotundus, Boreria latifolia, Euphorbia spp., Imperata
cylendrica.
Glyphosate 71% SG (Ammonium Salt) @ 1.2 Kg in 200 l of
water/acre for the management of Acalypha indica, Sida aculata,
Ipomea digitarea, Cychorium intybus, Digera arvensis, Digitaria
sanguinalis , Paspalum conjugatum, Ageratum conyzoides,
Cynondon dactylon, Cyperus rotunedus
Paraquat dichloride 24% SL @ 0.32-1.7 l in 80-160 l of water/acre
for the management of Imperata, Commelina benghalensis,
Boerraria hispida, Paspalum conjugatum.
Aphids

Cultural control:
Reflective mulches such as silver colored plastic can deter aphids
from feeding on plants.
Sturdy plants can be sprayed with a strong jet of water to knock
aphids from leaves.
Biological control:
Insecticidal soaps or oils such as neem or canola oil are usually
the best method of control; always check the labels of the products
for specific usage guidelines prior to use.

Flush Worm**, Tea

tortrix**, Shot hole
borer**,
Cutworm
Leaf roller**

Chemical control:
Phosalone 35% EC @ 411.2 ml in 200-400 l of water/acre.
See common control practices.

See common control practices.

See common control practices.

Chemical control:
Deltamethrin 2.8% EC @ 160 ml in 160-240 l of water/acre

Red, brown and black Cultural control:

rot disease
Uproot the infected bushes and burnt it.
Insulation of diseases patches by making trenches of 120 cm (4
feet) deep and 45 cm (1.5 feet) width surrounding the diseased
plants help in the preventing the spread of primary root disease.
Chemical control:
Copper oxy chloride 50% WP @ 0.24 Kg in 50 l of
water/acre
Blister blight

Cultural control:
Use spore trap/regular field assessment.
Maintain the plucking interval.
Pruning during November/December is effective to reduce the
disease incidence for new clearing.
Avoid broad leaved Assam jats.
Prohibit the entry of workers of the infested section into the healthy
sections.
Biological control:
Spray 2-3 rounds of 5-10% aqueous extracts of Cassia
alata/Polygonum hamiltoni/ Acorus calamus/ Adhatoda vasica/
Equisetum arvense/ Polygonum hydropiper/ Tagetis petula at 15
days interval.
Chemical control:
Bitertanol 25% WP @ 80 g in 30 l of water/acre or Copper oxy
chloride 50% WP@ 0.168 g in 70 l of water/acre or Copper
Hydroxide 77% WP @ 140 g in 300 l of water/acre or
Hexaconazole 5% EC @ 10 g in 200 ml, 70-90 with power
sprayers 175-200 with knap sack sprayer or Propiconazole 25%
EC @ 50-100 g in 70-100 l of watwer/acre or Streptomycin
Sulphate 9% + Tetracylin Hydrocloride 1% SP @ It is fungal
disease and can be controlled by spraying 40 gms with 350 to
420 gms copper oxychloride (50% Wettable power) in 67 liters
of water per hectare with air blast sprayer, covering two rows on
either side.

Red rust

Cultural control:
If vigour of plant is maintained by balanced nutrients, the disease
is less.
As the disease starts on the onset of rain, it is desired to spray
fungicide twice during the month of July/ August at 15 days
intervals.
Avoid plant stress. Avoid poorly drained sites. Promote good air
circulation in the plant canopy to reduce humidity and duration of
leaf wetness.
Identify and correct predisposing factors such as- poor drainage,
low soil fertility, particularly potash, improper soil acidity,
inadequate shade and continuous use of green crops like
Tephrosia candida, T. vogelli etc. in addition to pruning of severely

Black rot

Charcoal stump rot**,

Collar and branch
canker**,
Grey blight,** Die back**

Maturity/Flowering
Nutrients

Weeds

Tea mosquito bug

affected sections.
Biological control:
Spray 4-6 rounds of 5% aqueous extracts of Argimone maxicana/
Polygonum hemiltonii at 15 days interval.
Chemical control:
Copper oxy chloride 50% WP @ 0.24 Kg in 50 l of
water/acre
Cultural control:
Prune or skiff the severely affected sections. Improve aeration by
lopping side branches and matidals. Thin out dense shade and
improve drainage.
Give alkaline wash after pruning.
Shorter pruning cycle helps in minimizing infestation.
Cultural control:
Remove the affected portion during rejuvenation.
Avoid intensive harvesting using flat shears.
Maintain a proper balance of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers.
Avoidance of predisposing factors.
Avoid mulching and fertilizer application close to the stem collar
and planting in gravelly soil.
Avoid plant stress. Grow tea bushes with adequate spacing to
permit air to circulate and reduce humidity and the duration of leaf
wetness.
Prohibit the entry of workers of the infested section into the healthy
sections.
Biological control:
Spray 2-4 rounds of 5% aqueous extracts of Amphineuron
opulentum/ Cassia alata/ Polygonum sinensis at 15 days interval.
As per table above.
The rate of fertilizer application for mature tea varies with yield and
soil test values while the N: K2O ratio varies with the stage of
pruning.
Apply the recommended quantity of mixtures along the drip circle
of plants. In the semi-circular furrow taken above the plant on the
slope.
Apply the fertilizers when there is adequate soil moisture and when
the fields are free from weeds.
Punch holes of 15-22 cm depth in the soil on either side of the
plants and place the rock phosphate.
Remove the weeds before shedding of their seeds to reduce the
weed infestation in the subsequent season.
Hand weeding around collar region of young tea bushes is always
safe and it should be done.
Care should be taken so that the weeds do not flower and seeds
infest the new areas, drains and estate boundaries.
Cultural control:
When an attack by Helopeltis becomes unmanageable the
affected bushes may be skiffed to reduced the damage. Medium
prune (60-70 cm) is best suited for shot-hole borer infested fields

(except when other factors demand a different height of pruning).

Longer pruning cycles will tend to increase the intensity of borer
damage, especially in mid and low elevation areas.
The tea mosquito bug lay large number of eggs on the broken
ends of plucked shoots. Intensive manual removal of stalks during
plucking will help to reduce the incidence of the tea mosquito bug.

Removal of the alternate host of H. theivora such as Guava

(Psidium guajava), Oak (Quercus spp.), Melastoma (Melastoma
sp.), Thoroughwort (Eupatorium sp.), Fragrant thoroughwort
(Eupatorium odoratum), Dayflower (Commelina spp.), Sesbania
(Sesbania cannibina), Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophylla),
Bortengeshi (Oxalis acetocello), Ornamental jasmine (Gardenia
jesminoid), Mulberry (Morus alba), Kadam (Enthocephalus
cadamba), Jamun (Eugenia jambolana), Boal (Ehretia acuminata),
Mikania (Mikania micrantha), Acacia moniliformis, Duranta repens,
Piper hemiltonii, Phlogacanthus thirsyfiorus, Ficus benjamina, Sida
cordifolia, Cannabium sativam, Ixora sp, Persea bomycina,
Pteridium aquilium, Murraya koenigii and Premna latifolia from in
and around plantations would give a good control. Wild plants
(noneconomic) nearby the fields having feeding spots of H.
theivora have to be eradicated, as far as possible.

The ecotone (border) between forest line and tea plantation need
to be kept clear of weed and noneconomic plants.

H. theivora prefers moist conditions and mild temperatures. For

that reason, populations of this pest are often higher under heavy
shade. Regulate the shade in densely shaded area areas lopping
of the lower branches of shade trees. Moderate shade of 60% is
preferable.

Biological control:
See common practices.

Thrips

Applying native plant crude aquaus extracts viz. Clerodendrum

viscosum (Dhopat tita/ Ghato), Polygonum hydropiper (Pothorua
bihlonganii), Cassia alata (Khor pat), Xanthium strumarium, Vitex
negundo and Amphineuron Sp (Bitter fern) @ 5% concentration
may also be done in case of low and moderate infestation of the
pest.

Entomopathogen, Beauveria bassiana @ 1.2 Kg/acre minimized

infestation of H. theivora in field condition.

Chemical control:
Clothianidin 50% WDG @ 48 g in 200 l of water/acre or
Profenofos 50% EC @ 320-400 ml in 160 l of water/acre or
Thiacloprid 21.7% SC@ 150 ml in 160 l of water/acre or
Thiamethoxam 25% WG @ 40 g in 160-200 ml of water/acre
Cultural control:
The recommendation on shade management, if adopted, will help
to prevent the excessive built up of thrips and mites
For other see common practices.

Caustic washing of the trunk of the bushes after cleaning the

mosses and lichens and stirring of soil around the collar region will
kill the pupae.
Biological control:
See common practices.
Chemical control:
Azadirachtin 1% MIN. E.C. Neem Based.@ 1600-2000 ml in 180 l
of water/acre or Azadirachtin 5% W/W MIN. Neem Extract
Concentrate Containing M/s EID Perry @ 80 g in 160 l of
water/acre or Deltamethrin 2.8% EC@ 48- 60 ml in 160 -240 l of
water/acre or Ethion 50% EC @ 200 ml in 200-400 l of water or
Profenofos 50% EC@ 320-400 ml in 160 l of water/acre or
Quinalphos 25% EC @ 304 ml in 200-400 l of water/acre
Looper caterpillar**

See common cultural and biological practices of vegetative stage.

Chemical control:
Azadirachtin 5% W/W MIN. Neem Extract Concentrate
Containing@ 80 g in 160 l of water/acre or Deltamethrin 2.8%
EC@ 48- 60 ml in 160 -240 l of water/acre or Profenofos 50% EC
@ 320-400 ml in 160 l of water/acre or Deltamethrin 2.8% EC@
40-60 ml in 160-240 l of water/acre or Quinalphos 20% AF @ 400
g in 160 l of water/acre
Bunch caterpillar

See common cultural and biological practices of vegetative stage.

Chemical control:
Azadirachtin 5% W/W MIN. Neem Extract Concentrate
Containing@ 80 g in 160 l of water/acre or Deltamethrin 2.8%
EC@ 48- 60 ml in 160 -240 l of water/acre

Mites (red, pink**,

yellow** scarlet**, and
purple**)

Cultural control:
The recommendation on shade management, if adopted, will help
to prevent the excessive built up of mites.
Apply mulch and incorporate organic matter into the soil to improve
the water holding capacity and reduce evaporation
Uproot and burn infested plants. This can be successful during the
early stages of infestation when the mites concentrate on a few
plants
Keep the field free of weeds
Remove and burn infested crop residues immediately after harvest
The bushes along the motorable roads, which remain covered with
dust are very often found to be severely attacked by red spider
mite. Protect the roadside bushes from dust by growing hedge
plants like Phlogacenthus thrysiflorus (titaphool) or applying water
on such dusty roads at regular intervals is a good practice for
management of red spider mite.
To prevent migration of red spider mites by restricting the pluckers
from entering into un-infested areas from infested areas and cattle
trespass inside the tea sections should be stopped.
Removal of alternate hosts (Borreria hispida, Scoparia dulcis,

Melochia corchorifolia and Fussiala suffruticosa) in and around

plantations would give a good control
The bushes in ill drained or waterlogged areas are subject to
increased red spider damage, than those in well drained areas.
Therefore, inadequate drainage is not only harmful to the tea
plants but also creates conditions conducive to the buildup of O.
coffeae.
Red spider mite incidence is high on the bushes receiving heavier
doses of nitrogen but potash and phosphorus application
decreased the amount of red spider in tea. Therefore, appropriate
fertilization practice is necessary.
Red spider mite affected fields should get a new tier of
maintenance foliage since the infested bushes are very week due
to defoliation of maintenance leaves.
Measures should be taken (Two rounds of spray at 15 days
interval) during December and January in Young and Un-prune
Tea; Skiffed tea February; Pruned tea Early March.
After severe attacks of mite two rounds of applications must be
followed at an interval of 7 10 days (April October- 7 days and
Nov March-10 days).
Coverage of both surfaces and foliage is necessary. During full
cropping seasons control measures should be undertaken as spot
treatment only.
For pruned tea monitoring is necessary soon after tipping.
Avoid spraying during middle hours of the day in sunny weather.
Thorough drenching of top, middle and bottom hamper of bushes
with spray fluid is necessary to kill the residual population.
The crude water extracts of native plants viz. Clerodendrum
viscosum, Melia azadirach, Vitex negundo, Gliricidia maculata,
Wedelia chinensis, Morinda tinctoria, Pongamia glabra, neem
kernel, pongam kernel, garlic, Swietenia mahagoni seeds,
Pongamia pinnata seeds, Sophora flavescens, Acorus calamus
rhizomes, Xanthium strumarium, Clerodendron infortunatum, Aegle
marmelos, Clerodendron inerme, Phlogocanthus tubiflorus,
Achanthus aspera, Artemisia nilagirica, Phyllanthus amarus and
Lantana camara showed great promise in controlling red spider
mite population at field level.

Biological control:
See common biological practices.
Chemical control:
For Red Spider mites
Azadirachtin 1% MIN. E.C. Neem Based.@ 1600-2000 ml in 180 l of
water/acre. or Azadirachtin 5% W/W MIN. Neem Extract Concentrate
Containing@ 80 g in 160 l of water/acre or Bifenthrin 8%SC @ 200 ml
in 160 l of water/acre or Dicofol 18.5% EC @ 500 ml in 100 l of
water/acre or Ethion 50% EC @ 200 in 200-400 l of water/acre or
Fenazaquin 10% EC @ 400 ml in 160-320 l of water/acre or
Fenpropathrin 30% EC @ 66-80 ml in 160-200 l of water/acre or

Fenpyroximate 5% EC @ 120-240 ml in 160-200 l of water/acre or

Flumite 20% SC / Flufenzine 20%SC @ 200-240 ml in 200-400 l of
water/acre or Hexythiazox 5.45% W/W EC @ 120-200 ml in 160 l of
water/acre or Profenofos 50% EC @ 320-400 ml in 160 l of water/acre
or Propargite 57% EC @ 300-500 ml in 160 l of water/acre or
Spiromesifen 22.9% SC @ 160 ml in 160 l of water/acre or Sulphur
52% SC @ 800 ml in 160 l of water/acre or Sulphur 80% WP@ 400 g
in 80 l of water/acre
For Pink mite:
Azadirachtin 5% W/W MIN. Neem Extract Concentrate
Containing@ 80 g in 160 l of water/acre or Dicofol 18.5% EC @
500 ml in 100 l of water/acre or Fenazaquin 10% EC @ 400 ml in
160-320 l of water/acre or Fenpropathrin 30% EC @ 66-80 ml in
160-200 l of water/acre or Fenpyroximate 5% EC @ 120-240 ml in
160-200 l of water/acre or Flumite 20% SC / Flufenzine 20%SC @
160-200 ml in 200-400 l of water/acre or Phosalone 35% EC@
411.2 ml in 200-400 l of water/acre or Profenofos 50% EC @ 320400 ml in 160 l of water/acre or Propargite 57% EC @ 300-500 ml
in 160 l of water/acre or Sulphur 40% WP @ 1000-2000 g in 300400 l of water/acre or Sulphur 80% WP@ 400 g in 80 l of
water/acre
For Scarlet mite:
Dicofol 18.5% EC @ 500 ml in 100 l of water/acre or Hexythiazox
5.45% W/W EC @ 120-200 ml in 160 l of water/acre or Propargite
57% EC @ 300-500 ml in 160 l of water/acre or Fenpropathrin
30% EC @ 66-80 ml in 160-200 l of water/acre
For Purple mite:
Dicofol 18.5% EC @ 500 ml in 100 l of water/acre or Ethion 50%
EC @ 200 in 200-400 l of water/acre or Fenazaquin 10% EC @
400 ml in 160-320 l of water/acre or Fenpropathrin 30% EC @ 6680 ml in 160-200 l of water/acre or Fenpyroximate 5% EC @ 120240 ml in 160-200 l of water/acre or Flumite 20% SC /
FLUFENZINE 20%SC @ 160-200 ml in 200-400 l of water/acre or
Phosalone 35% EC@ 411.2 ml in 200-400 l of water/acre or
Propargite 57% EC @ 300-500 ml in 160 l of water/acre or
Sulphur 40% WP @ 1000-2000 g in 300-400 l of water/acre or
Sulphur 80% WP@ 400 g in 80 l of water/acre
For Yellow mite:
Dicofol 18.5% EC @ 500 ml in 100 l of water/acre or Ethion 50%
EC @ 200 in 200-400 l of water/acre or Fenpropathrin 30% EC @
66-80 ml in 160-200 l of water/acre
Jassids

Cultural control:
Regular field assessment.
For others see common practices.
Caustic washing of the trunk of the bushes after cleaning the
mosses and lichens and stirring of soil around the collar region will

kill the pupae.

Chemical control:
Profenofos 50% EC @ 320-400 ml in 160 l of water/acre
Cultural control:
Prune heavily infested plant parts to open the tree canopy and
destroy them immediately.
Prune infested parts (branches and twigs) preferably during
summer.
These should be placed in a pit constructed on one corner of the
orchard. Allow branches and twigs to dry until the parasites
escape.
Burn the remaining debris.
Removal of attendant ants may permit natural enemies to control
the insect.

Scale insects**

Chemical control:
Ethion 50% EC @ 200 in 200-400 l of water/acre
Flushworm**

Same as vegetative stage

Aphids

Same as vegetative stage.

Blight**, Rust, Rots, Canker

Same as vegetative stage.

*The dosage of pesticide is based on high volume sprayer.

**Regional pests
V. 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 nonchemical 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.
VI. NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
Nutrient
Nitrogen: Older leaves become yellow in color; size of the leaf
will be affected.
Correction Measure: Foliar spray of urea@1%

Phosphorus: Stunted plant growth and pigmentation seen in

older leaves.
Correction Measure Foliar spray of DAP@1%.

Symptoms

Magnesium: Yellowing symptom seen in older leaves.

Correction Measure: Foliar spray of [email protected]%.

Sulphur: Yellowing of young leaves; elongation of leaf growth

will be affected.
Correction Measure: Foliar spray of CaSO4@1-2%.

Boron: Plant tip and flower bud is affected; leaf size becomes
small and malformed.
Correction Measure: Foliar spray of [email protected]%

Copper: Young leaves become pale yellow.

Correction Measure: Foliar spray of CuSO4@1-2%.

Iron: Young leaves become yellow in color; Occurrence of

interveinal chlorosis.
Correction Measure: Foliar spray of [email protected]%

Manganese: Young leaves become yellow; veins remain

green in color.
Correction Measure Foliar spray of [email protected]%

Zinc: Symptoms seen in young leaves; leaves become small

and necrotic. Correction Measure: Foliar spray of ZnSO4@
0.5%.

Source: http://kau.edu/pop/beverages&stimulants.htm
http://www.agritech.tnau.ac.in/agriculture/agri_index.html
http://www.ihbt.res.in/TIM/fert1.jpg
Naidu (2012).

VII. COMMON WEEDS

1. Goat weed Ageratum

conyzoides L.
(Asteraceae)

4. Malabar melastome:
Melastoma
malabathricum L.
(Melastomataceae)

2.Landrina: Borreria hispida

L. (Rubiaceae)

3. Hill glory bower:

Clerodendron infortunatum L.
(Verbinaceae)

5. Bitter Vine: Mikania

micrantha Kunth
(Aseteraceae)

6. Non tai baihong: Pouzolzia

indica (L.) G. Benn
(Urticaceae)

7. Congo jute: Urena

lobata L. (Malvaceae)

10. Kuppaimeni:
Acalypha indica L.
(Euphorbiaceae)

13. Cichorium: Cichorium

intybus L.
(Astaraceae)

16. Tropical Spiderwort:

Commelina benghalensis

8. Wood sorrels: Oxalis

corymbosa L. (Oxalidaceae)

9. O. acetocella L.
(Oxalidaceae)

11. Common wireweed: Sida

acuta Burm.f. (Malvaceae)

12. Aligator yam: Ipomea

digitata L. (Convolvulaceae)

14. False amaranth: Digera

arvensis Forsk.
(Amaranthaceae)

15. Asthma plant: Euphorbia

spp.
(Euphorbiaceae)

17. Buffalo grass: Paspalum

conjugatum L. (Poaceae)

18. Torpedo grass: Pannicum

repens L. (Poaceae)

L. (Commelinaceae)

19. Blady grass: Imperata

cylendrica (L.) P.Beauv.
(Poaceae)

22. Blanket grass:

Axonopus compressus
(Sw.) P.Beauv. (Poaceae)

25 Yellow nutsedge:
Cyperus esculentus L.
(Cyperaceae)

20. Hairy crabgrass:

Digitaria sanguinalis
(L.) Scop.
(Poaceae)

21. Indian goosegrass:

Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.
(Poaceae)

23. Bermuda grass:

Cynadon dactylon L.
(Poaceae)

24. Kans grass: Saccharum

spontanium L.
(Poaceae)

26. Purple nutsedge:

Cyperus rotundus L.
(Cyperaceae)

VIII. DESCRIPTION OF INSECT, MITE AND NEMATODE PESTS

1. Tea mosquito bug:

Biology:
Egg: The eggs are elongated and sausage shaped. Each egg bears two C filamentous
processes which project out from the tissues in which the eggs have been inserted Hatching
occurs within 5 to 7 days in summer and 20 to 27 days m winter.
Nymph: The nymph bears delicate, elongated legs. The dirty-yellow nymphs suck the sap of
the host plant and undergo five moults to attain maturity. The larval period lasts for 9-10 days in

summer and 25-29 days in winter.

Adult: The adult H. theivora is small bug measuring 6-8 mm in length. The body is slender and
elongated with yellowish-brown or olive green head, dark red thorax and yellow and greenishblack abdomen. Appendages are long, dark and delicate. The thorax bears a characteristic
dorsal knobbed process. Life cycle is completed in about 15 20 days in summer and 45-60 days
in winter in North-East Indian conditions. There may be several generations in a year.
Life cycle:

Photo courtesy: Entomology Department, Tocklai Tea Research Institute, Jorhat, Assam

Damage symptoms:
The nymphs and adults suck the sap of the young leaves, buds and tender stems and

while doing so, they injects toxic saliva which causes the breakdown of tissues around
the site of feeding.
Within 2-3 hours of sucking a circular spot is formed around the feeding point and in 24
hours it becomes translucent, light browning. Within a few days the spots appear as dark
brown sunken spots which subsequently dry up. The badly affected leaves become
deformed and even curl-up.
In addition, due to oviposition, the tender stems develop cracks and over-callusing which
lead to blockage of vascular bundle thereby affecting the physiology causing stunted
growth and sometimes die-back of the stems.

Circular spots in leaf due to feeding

Die-back symptom

Photo courtesy: Entomology Department, Tocklai Tea Research Institute, Jorhat, Assam

Natural enemies of tea mosquito bug:

Parasitoids: Mymarid, Erythmelus helopeltidis.
Predators: Chrysoperla zastrowii sillemi, Mallada sp, Oxyopes sp. (Spider), Reduviid bug Praying
Mantids.
Pathogens: Nematodes (Hexamermis sp.) Beauveria bassiana.
*For the management refer page number

2. Thrips:
Biology:
Egg: The egg is bean-shaped, slightly narrower at one end and is almost colourless when freshly

laid.
Nymph: The newly hatched nymph is almost white but soon after sucking of plant sap, the

colour gradually changes to pale yellow. The second instar nymph is orange yellow .
Pre-pupa: The pre-pupa can be recognized by the free antennae directed forward while in the
pupa; the antennae are reflected over the head to reach the middle of the pro-thorax.
Adult: The adult insect is pale yellow in colour, the abdomen being paler. The female measures

1.05 mm long and 0.19 mm width. The male measures 0.71 mm in length and 0.14 mm in width.
3. Adults
13-15 days

4
2-

da

ys

Thrips,
Scirtothrips dorsalis

2 Pupa

810

da

Eggs are
microscopic

7
2-

ys

da

Eggs

ys

1. Nymph

Damage symptoms:
Feeds on tender above ground parts, creating feeding scars, distortion of leaves and

discoloration of buds
The infested leaves curl upward, crumble and shed
Infested buds become brittle and drop down.
The sucking marks are made one after one, forming thin pale lines on the underside of leaves

parallel to the main vein

Photo courtesy: Entomology Department, Tocklai Tea Research Institute, Jorhat, Assam

Host-range and favourable conditions:

S. dorsalis is found in almost all chilly growing areas. It is a polyphagus pest. Besides
chilli, it also infests brinjal, cotton, groundnut, castor, bottlegourd, guava, tea and
grapevine. It is more common on un-irrigated chilli crop than irrigated one.

Natural enemies of thrips:

Predators: Anthocoris and Orius spp., predatory thrips (Aeolothrips intermedius, Mymarothrips garuda),
Chrysoperla carnea, Mallada sp, praying mantids, ladybird beetles, syrphid flies, spiders etc.
Pathogens: Steinernema sp., Verticillium lecanii, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae,
Paecilomyces fumerosus
*For the management refer page number

3. Leaf eating caterpillar:

Biology:
Egg: Female lays about 300 eggs in clusters. The eggs are covered over by brown hairs and
they hatch in about 3-5 days.
Larva: Caterpillar measures 35-40 mm in length, when full grown. It is velvety, black with
yellowish green dorsal stripes and lateral white bands with incomplete ring like dark band on
anterior and posterior end of the body. It passes through 6 instars. Larval stage lasts 15-30 days
Pupa: Pupation takes place inside the soil, pupal stage lasts 7-15 days.
Adult: Moth is medium sized and stout bodied with forewings pale grey to dark brown in colour
having wavy white crisscross markings. Hind wings are whitish with brown patches along the
margin of wing. Pest breeds throughout the year. Moths are active at night. Adults live for 7-10
days. Total life cycle takes 32-60 days. There are eight generations in a year.
Life cycle:
4. Adult
5-10 days

7-

15

da

ys

Tobacco caterpillar,
Spodoptera litura

3. Pupae

1. Eggs

Cut worm
15
-3
0

da

3-

ys

da

ys

2. Larva

1.http://m.animal.memozee.com/m.view.php?q=%EB%8B%B4%EB%B0%B0%EA% B0%80%EB%A3%A8%EC%9D%B4&p=3
2. http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=2511050
3 http://www.fera.defra.gov.uk/plants/publications/documents/factsheets/bemisia.pdf

4. http://www.entomology.umn.edu/cues/inter/inmine/Whitefg.html

Damage symptoms:

In early stages, the caterpillars are gregarious and scrape the chlorophyll content of leaf
lamina giving it a papery white appearance. Later they become voracious feeders
making irregular holes on the leaves.
Irregular holes on leaves initially and later skeletonisation leaving only veins and petioles
Heavy defoliation.

Damage symptoms
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/Portals/0/Gardening/Gardening%20Help/images/Pests/Caterpillars_Surface701.jpg

Parasitoids: Trichogramma chilonis, Tetrastichus spp., Telenomus spp., Ichneumon

promissorius, Carcelia spp, Campoletis chlorideae, Lissopimpla excels, Ichneumon
promissorius etc.
Predators: Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi, coccinellids, King crow, braconid wasps, dragonfly,
spider, robber fly, reduviid bug, praying mantis, and red ants etc.
*For management refer to page number----

4. Jassid:
Biology:
Egg: Adult females lay eggs along the midrib and lateral veins of the leaves. The egg period is
4 to 11 days.
Nymph: The nymphs resemble the adults, but lack wings. Instead, they have slightly extended
wing pads. They are pale green in color. They tend to move sideways when disturbed. The
nymphal period varies from 1-4 weeks depending on the temperature.
Adult: The adults are wedge-shaped, pale green insects. They have fully developed wings with
a prominent black spot on each forewing. The adults may live for one to two months.

7-2
8

day
s

2. Adult
30-60 days

Leaf hopper,
Amrasca biguttula biguttula

Jassid

1. Nymph

Eggs are internal

4-11 days

1. http://www.flickr.com/photos/dalalsure/3726494086/

2. http://www.nbaii.res.in/insectpests/Amrasca-biguttula.php

Damage symptoms:

Both nymphs and adults suck the sap from the lower leaf surfaces through their piercing
and sucking mouthparts. While sucking the plant sap, they also inject toxic saliva into the
plant tissues, which leads to yellowing. When several insects suck the sap from the
same leaf, yellow spots appear on the leaves, followed by crinkling, curling, bronzing,
and drying, or hopper burn. Leafhoppers also cause damage in okra, cotton, and
potato seriously.

Natural enemies of jassid:

Parasitoids: Anagrus flaveolus, Stethynium triclavatum
Predators: Ladybird beetle, ants Distina albino, Chrysoperla spp., mired bug (Dicyphus
hesperus), big-eyed bug, (Geocoris sp) Praying mantids.
*For the management refer page no

5. Aphids:
Biology:
Egg: are very tiny, shiny-black, and are found in the crevices of bud, stems, and barks of the
plant. Aphids usually do not lay eggs in warm parts of the world.
Nymph: (immature stages) are young aphids; they look like the wingless adults but are smaller.
They become adults within 7 to 10 days.
Adult: are small, black to dark brownish colour, 1 to 4 mm long, soft-bodied insects with two
long antennae that resemble horns. Most aphids have two short cornicles (horns) towards the
rear of the body.
Life cycle:

http://gipcitricos.ivia.es/area/plagas-principales/pulgones/toxoptera-aurantii

Damage symptoms:
Nymphs and adults suck cell sap from the plant foliage.
In addition, plants may become contaminated by honeydew produced by aphids and

sooty mould growing on honeydew.

Aphids are also vectors of diseases, including the bean common mosaic virus.

http://www.infojardin.com/foro/showthread.php?t=89572&page=12
Natural enemies of aphid:

Parasitoids: Aphidius colemani, Aphelinus sp and Diaeretiella sp.

Predators: Fire ant, Robber fly, Big-eyed bug (Geocoris sp), Earwig, Ground beetle,
Cecidomyiid fly, Lacewing, Ladybird beetle, Spider, Praying Mantis, Reduviid, Dragon fly,
hoverfly.
*For management refer to page number------------------------

6. Bunch caterpillar:
Biology:
Egg: The eggs are yellowish and are arranged in linear order by the female moth. A single
female laid about 500 eggs.
Larva: Within 7 to 11 days (in summer) caterpillars hatches out from the eggs. After emergence
the caterpillars, first of all, feeds upon their egg shell, then they lacerate the leaf surface tissues
and finally consume the whole leaf blade. The caterpillars remain clustered in characteristic
bunches and hence are called bunch caterpillars. The gregarious nature of caterpillars
continues throughout the larval life. During 3 to 4 weeks of larval life the larvae undergoes five
instars. The fully grown and well fed matured larva measures about 65 mm in length. The larva
is tawny-yellow with reddish tinge and broad blackish-brown transverse strips.
Pupa: For pupation the larvae descend down from the host plant and pupate on the ground
among dried leaves. The pupal period varies in different season. In summer it is 16 to 29 days,
in rainy season it is about 46 days and in winter it is 68-120 days. The pupa is reddish-brown in
colour and about 25 mm in size. There are four overlapping generations in a year in northeastern region of India.
Adult: The adult moth is brown in colour. The wing span of male moth ranges from 33 to 45
mm, whereas in female it is 45-58 mm. Dark wavy lines are present on the wings. Fore wings
have two white spots near the outer margin. The hind wings are brown posteriorly and pale in

anterior region. The antennae are bipectinate but as compared to females the males have more
developed and highly bipectinate antennae.
Life cycle:

http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/zoology/bunch-caterpillar-andraca-bipunctata-distribution-life-cycle-and-control/24077/

Damage symptoms:

The damage is caused to the host plant by the caterpillars. The caterpillars eat the
foliage of the host plant. Initially, they feed upon the surface tissues only but later on the
whole blade is consumed.

The caterpillars move in groups and before going down for pupation a bunch of
caterpillars may destroy several bushes of tea plantation.

1.

2.

1: http://www.pensoft.net/journals/zookeys/article/928/the-genus-andraca-lepidoptera-endromidae-in-china-with-descriptions-of-anew-species
2.: Entomology Department, Tocklai Tea Research Institute, Jorhat, Assam

Natural enemies of bunch caterpillar:

Larval Parasitoids: Tachinid fly, Cylindromyia sp., Cotesia ruficrus.

*For management refer to page number------------------------

7. Red spider mite:

Biology:
Egg: Eggs reddish, spherical, provided with a small filament. Incubation period is 4-6 days,
before hatching becomes light orange colour.
Nymph: Upon hatching, it will pass through a larval stage and two nymphal stages before
becoming adult. Developmental stages include six legged larva, protonymph and deutonymph.
Adult: Adult female elliptical in shape, bright crimson anteriorly and dark pruplish brown
posteriorlym. Mites spin a web of silken threads on the leaf. Each developmental stage is
followed by a quiescent stage and life cycle completed in 10-14 days.

Photo courtesy: Entomology Department, Tocklai Tea Research Institute, Jorhat, Assam

Damage symptoms:

Spider mites usually extract the cell contents from the leaves using their long, needlelike mouthparts. This results in reduced chlorophyll content in the leaves, leading to the
formation of white or yellow speckles on the leaves.
In severe infestations, leaves will completely desiccate and drop off. The mites also
produce webbing on the leaf surfaces in severe conditions. Under high population
densities, the mites move to using strands of silk to form a ball-like mass, which will be
blown by winds to new leaves or plants, in a process known as ballooning.

Photo courtesy: Entomology Department, Tocklai Tea Research Institute, Jorhat, Assam

Natural enemies of red spider mite:

Predators: Predatory mite, Predatory thrips, Oligota spp., Orius sp (pirate bug), Hover flies,
Mirid bug.
*For management refer to page number------------------------

8. Purple mite:
Biology:
Egg: Eggs hatches in 2-3 days.
Nymph: There are two nymphal stages and they are white in colour, young ones moult
three times.
Adult: Adults are very small, spindle shaped, purple colour; fringed body with five
longitudinal white waxy ridges on dorsal side, total developmental period was 6-11 days.

1. Adult
Damage symptoms:
Damaged leaves characterized by the coppery brown discoloration; presence of
numerous white cast skins of the mites along with the live mites; purple mites are
prevalent on the under surface of mature leaves;

2.

3.

1,2,3: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/O&T/specificplants/note138/note138.html

Predators same as red spider mite.

*For management refer to page number------------------------

9. Pink mite:
Biology:
Egg: Eggs are shiny, globular in shape and lay singly on the under surface of the leaves. Eggs
are hatch in 2-3 days
Nymph: There are two nymphal stages and they are white in colour. Population builds up
initiates in November/December and attains peak in February/March and declined during
May/June. Life cycle completed in 6-9 days.

Adults: Adults are very small, spindle shaped, pink colour; fringed body with five longitudinal
white waxy ridges on dorsal side, young ones moult three times; incubation period ranges 3-5
days with two nymphal stages while total developmental period was 6-11 days.
Damage symptoms:
Important mite pest of tea in southern India causes considerable damage. During early
stages of attack leaves turn pale and curl upwards while severe infestation leads to
brownish discolouration. Pink mites attack tender crop shoots where Aassam hybrids
are more susceptible
Predators same as red spider mite
*For management refer to page number------------------------

10. Yellow mite:

Biology:
Egg: Eggs are oval shaped and white in colour. Eggs are glued firmly on the leaf surface. Eggs
large, obovate, flattened at the bottom; eggs hatches after 27-32 hours
Nymph: Nymphs white in colour.
Adult: Adults large, oval and broad and yellowish in colour. Females are yellowish and bigger
than the males and they carrying the female nymphs on their back.
Life cycle:

2-3
day
s

Adult
3-5 days

Chilli mite,
Polyphagotarsonemus latus

Eggs

Nymphs

1-3 days

Damage symptoms:
Mite is seen on young leaves especially the top two to three leaves and the bud.
Affected leaves become rough and brittle and corky lines.
Downward curling.
Internodes get shortened.

*For management refer to page number------------------------

Predators same as red spider mite.

11. Scarlet mite:

Biology:
Egg: Eggs are bright red, elliptical, laid in clusters; incubation period is 7-10 days.
Nymph: Developmental stages include three legged larva, protonymph and deutonymph and
each developmental stage is followed by a quiescent stage.
Adult: Adult mite is scarlet red in colour and obovate in shape; reproduction is by
parthenogenesis. Life cycle completed in 30-36 days.
Life cycle:

http://www.ikisan.com/Archive/archive9.htm

Symptoms of damage:
Symptoms of attack first appear on either side of the midrib and gradually spread to the
entire leaf; feeding leads to brown discolouration of leaves and severe infestation leads
to defoliation.

Predators same as red spider mite.

*For management refer to page number------------------------

12. Root knot nematode:

Biology:
Most species of plant parasitic nematodes have a relatively simple life cycle consisting of
the egg, four larval stages and the adult male and female.
Development of the first stage larvae occurs within the egg where the first molt occurs.
Second stage larvae hatch from eggs to find and infect plant roots or in some cases
foliar tissues.

Under suitable environmental conditions, the eggs hatch and new larvae emerge to
complete the life cycle within 4 to 8 weeks depending on temperature.
Nematode development is generally most rapid within an optimal soil temperature range
of 70 to 80F.

Life cycle:

12
-1
6d

ay
s

3. Adults
Male (longer): 16-22 days
Female (bulged): 25-30 days

2. Larvae
[Infective (J2)
juveniles]

Root-knot nematode,
Meloidogyne spp.

1. Eggs
4-6 days

1.http://keys.lucidcentral.org/keys/sweetpotato/key/
2. http://nematology.umd.edu/rootknot.html
3. http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/pgg/dan_webpage/Introduction/Images/pyroform.htm
Damage symptoms:
Infected plants in patches in the field
Formation of galls on host root system is the primary symptom
Roots branch profusely starting from the gall tissue causing a beard root symptom
Infected roots become knobby and knotty
In severely infected plants the root system is reduced and the rootlets are almost
completely absent. The roots are seriously hampered in their function of uptake and
transport of water and nutrients
Plants wilt during the hot part of day, especially under dry conditions and are often
stunted
Nematode infection predisposes plants to fungal and bacterial root pathogens

http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2009/bell_patr/interactions.htm

Survival and spread:

Primary: Egg masses in infected plant debris and soil or collateral and other hosts like
Solonaceous, Malvaceous and Leguminaceous plants act as sources of inoculums.
Secondary: Autonomous second stage juveniles that may also be water dispersed.
Favourable conditions:
Loamy light soils.
*For management refer to page number----------------------Parasitoids
Egg parasitoid

1. Trichogramma sp

2. Mymarid,

3. Erythmelus helopeltidis.

Egg-larval parasitoid

4. Tetrastichus sp

5. Chelonus spp.

Larval parasitoids

6. Bracon spp

7. Campoletis sp

8. Carcelia sp

9. Telenomus sp

10. Anagrus flaveolus

11. Stethynium

12. Tachinid fly

14. Cotesia ruficrus

Pupal parasitoids

15. Ichneumon sp
Nymphal/larval and adult parasitoids

16. Aphidius

17. Aphelinus

2. http://bugguide.net/node/view/869428/bgimage
3.http://www.nbaii.res.in/IndianMymaridae/Mymaridae/html/Mymaridae/Erythmelus_Enock.
4. http://www.pbase.com/image/135529248
5. http://www.nbaii.res.in/Featured%20insects/chelonus.htm
7. http://www.nbaii.res.in/Featured%20insects/Campoletis.htm
8. http://72.44.83.99/forum/viewthread.php?thread_id=40633&pid=178398

13. Cylindromyia sp.

9 http://baba-insects.blogspot.in/2012/02/telenomus.html
10. http://www.plantwise.org/default.aspx?site=234&page=4279&dsID=5090
11.http://www.nbaii.res.in/IndianMymaridae/Mymaridae/html/Mymaridae/Stethynium_Enock.htm
12. http://www.oocities.org/brisbane_flies/TACHINIDAE.htm
13. http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/diptera/Cylindromyia.htm
14. http://www.uky.edu/~mjshar0/genera/Cotesia/cotesia.html
15. http://www.organicgardeninfo.com/ichneumon-wasp.html
16. http://biobee.in/products-and-services/solutions/bio-aphidius/
17. http://australianmuseum.net.au/image/Aphelinus-wasp-stings-aphid-Denis-Crawford/Kool

Predators

1. Lacewing

5. Robber fly

9. Ground beetle

16. Predatory thrips

2. Ladybird beetle

6. Fire ant

3. Reduviid bug

7. Big-eyed bug

10. Pentatomid bug 11. Preying mantis

4. Spider

8. Earwig

12. Predatory mite

17. Oligota spp.

18. Orius spp.

19. Hover fly

20. Mirid bug

5. http://www.warpedphotosblog.com/robber-fly-and-prey
6.http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-launched-a-war-against-the-fire-ant-invasion-but-12-years-laterthey8217re-still-on-the-march/story-fnihsrf2-1226686256021

9. http://bugguide.net/node/view/598529
10. http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnhallmen/2901162091/
11.http://www.mattcolephotography.co.uk/Galleries/insects/Bugs%20&%20Beetles/slides/ Ground%20Beetle%20%20Pterostichus%20madidus.html
12. http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/ndsu/rider/Pentatomoidea/Genus_Asopinae/ Eocanthecona.htm
13. http://spirit-animals.com/praying-mantis/
15. http://www.dragonfli.co.uk/natural-pest-control/natural-enemies
16. http://biocontrol.ucr.edu/hoddle/persea_mite.html
17. http://www.fugleognatur.dk/forum/show_message.asp?MessageID=560188&ForumID=33
18. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Orius_insidiosus_from_USDA_2_(cropped).jpg
20. http://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/Miridae/blepharidopterus_angulatus.html

IX. DESCRIPTION OF DISEASES

1. Blister blight:
Disease symptoms:
Small, pinhole-size spots are initially seen on young leaves less than a month old. As the
leaves develop, the spots become transparent, larger, and light brown.
After about 7 days, the lower leaf surface develops blister-like symptoms, with dark
green, water-soaked zones surrounding the blisters.
Following release of the fungal spores, the blister becomes white and velvety.
Subsequently the blister turns brown, and young infected stems become bent and
distorted and may break off or die.
Survival and spread:
The pathogens survive on leaves or stems and in fallen plant host debris.
Disease is readily spread by the dispersal of spore by wind.
Favourable conditions:
Cloudy and wet weather favors infection.

Photo courtesy: Mycology and Microbiology Department, Tocklai Tea Research Institute, Jorhat, Assam

*For management refer to page number----------------------2. Red rust:

Disease symptoms
Leaves develop lesions that are roughly circular, raised, and purple to reddish-brown.
The alga may spread from leaves to branches and fruit.
Most algal spots develop on the upper leaf surface.
Older infections become greenish-gray and look like lichen. Cephaleuros usually does
not harm the plant.
Survival and spread:
The pathogens reproduce and survive in spots on leaves or stems and in fallen plant
host debris.
Favourable conditions:
Frequent rains and warm weather are favorable conditions for these pathogens. For
hosts, poor plant nutrition, poor soil drainage, and stagnant air are predisposing factors to
infection by the algae

Photo courtesy: Mycology and Microbiology Department, Tocklai Tea Research Institute, Jorhat, Assam

Disease symptoms
*For management refer to page number----------------------3. Brown blight, grey blight:
Disease symptoms:
Small, oval, pale yellow-green spots first appear on young leaves. Often the spots are
surrounded by a narrow, yellow zone.
As the spots grow and turn brown or gray, concentric rings with scattered, tiny black dots
become visible and eventually the dried tissue falls, leading to defoliation. Leaves of any
age can be affected.
Survival and spread:
The pathogen survives in decay plant debris which is the sourse of primary infection.
When young twigs of susceptible cultivars are cut and used to root new plants, latent
mycelium in the leaf tissue may start to invade nearby cells to form brown spots, and this
may lead to death of leaves and twigs.
Favourable conditions:
The disease is favored by poor air circulation, high temperature, and high humidity or
prolonged periods of leaf wetness.

Photo courtesy: Mycology and Microbiology Department, Tocklai Tea Research Institute, Jorhat, Assam

*For management refer to page number----------------------4. Twig die back, stem canker:
Disease symptoms:
The first symptoms include browning and drooping of affected leaves. As the disease
spreads into the shoots, they become dry and die. The entire branch can die from the tip
downward.
Dying branches often have cankers-shallow, slowly spreading lesions surrounded by a
thick area of bark.
Survival and spread:
The fungus usually requires wounded plant tissue to gain entry and initiate infection.
Spores are spread when splashed by rain and can survive for several weeks on pruned
branches left in the field.
Favourable conditions:
Rainy weather favors its spread, and dry conditions promote its development.

1.

2.

http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2009/bell_patr/interactions.htm

*For management refer to page number-----------------------

5. Brown root rot disease:

Disease symptoms

Tea plants of all ages are susceptible to this disease. Affected bushes occur in patches,
usually around old tree stumps, but sometimes isolated bushes are affected.
Plants become weaker and their leaves begin to turn yellow and finally wilt and defoliate,
eventually leading to death of the plant.

Longitudinal cracks are usually present on the collar above the soil level but also on the
tap root and lateral roots.
Scrapping of the bark at the collar region reveals sheets of creamy white mycelia and
the wood has a strong mushroom like-smell.

Survival and spread:

Disease is spread by spores carried by wind, lodges on stumps of shade trees; infection
spreads mainly through root contact and alternate hosts are Coffee, Grevillea, Albizia
and Erythrina.

Favourable conditions:

Disease is common in low elevation areas. Humid and rainy season favour the
development of disease.

*For management refer to page number----------------------6. Red root rot disease:

Symptoms:
Disease is also called as Poria root disease of tea.
First symptoms appear as yellowing of the leaf followed by wilting and then sudden
death of the bush or entire bush with the weathered leaves are attached to the stem for
several days.
Survival and spread:
The pathogen is soil borne and mycelium present in the soil is the source of primary
infection.
Favourable conditions:
Humid and rainy season favour the development of the disease.
*For management refer to page number-----------------------

Disease cycle:
1. Blister blight:

2. Rust:

3. Brown and grey blight

4. Twig die back, stem canker

X. SAFETY MEASURES
A. Pre-harvesting:
Harvesting is a very vigorous process that requires hard work and perseverance in order
to coax the most out of the tea plant. Two processes exist for harvesting tea: course
plucking and fine plucking. For both techniques harvesting tea is usually done by hand
because machines damage the leaves too much for them to be of any use.
The ideal conditions for harvesting tea are usually at high altitudes with a good amount
of rainfall.
With fine plucking you should harvest only the bud, second and third leaves so that you
get the most from a harvest of tea.
Harvesting tea needs to be done in the early morning. Young and tender buds that have
silvery white fuzz on them should be harvested. This type of harvesting tea makes very
fine and delicate flavoured tea. It is usually lighter and sweeter in taste.
Harvesting tea using the coarse plucking technique produces a lower quality of tea than
fine plucking. In coarse plucking you will also harvest the bud but will include more than
two leaves whilst harvesting the tea. This is generally done at a very fast pace. This
technique of harvesting tea makes a stronger flavour tea than that of fine plucking.

Pre-Harvest interval of Plant Protection Formulations (PPFs):

The safe pre-harvest intervals for the commonly used PPFs are shown below:

PPFs

Pre harvest
interval (Days)*

Propargite 57 EC
Fenazaquin 10 EC
Spiromesifen 240 SC

7-12
9-12
14

Bifenthrin 8 SC
Hexythiazox 5.45 EC
Wettable sulphur 80%

3-5
12
10

Lime Sulphur
Deltamethrin 2.8 EC
Thiamethoxam
Dicofol
Ethion
Quinalphos
Fenpropathrin
Copper
Paraquat

10
4-10
6-10
10-16
7-10
8-21
8
7-14
7

*Depending on the locations

XI. DOS AND DONTS IN IPM

Monitor the incidence of pests by assessing their populations in the field.

Mark the areas from where the pest attack starts
Start appropriate control measures in the beginning of the season
Integrate cultural control methods with biological and chemical control measures.
Use bio-formulations (botanical formulations and entomopathogens) wherever
possible
Use pesticides only when it is absolutely essential
Do not allow the pests to cross the ETL
Do not reduce the recommended concentration of pesticides
Do not mix two or more pesticides.
Do not unduly drench soil.
Do not add wetting agents unless recommended
Do not allow the growth of weeds in ravines, along drains, foot-paths and vacant
patches.
Do not allow cattle inside the tea field

 Cattle trespass and movement of workers through areas treated with chemical
pesticides should be prevented as far as possible.
Date expired pesticides should not be purchased or used in the field.

XII. SAFETY PARAMETERS IN PESTICIDE USAGE

S. No.

Pesticide
Classification
as per
insecticide
rules 1971
Colour of
toxicity triangle
Insecticides
1.
Carbofuran
Extremely toxic

WHO
classificati
on of
hazard

Symptoms poisoning

First aid measures and

treatment of poisoning

Waiting period
from last
application to
harvest (days)

Class I b
highly
hazardous

Constriction of pupils,
salivation, profuse sweating,
muscle incordination,
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
epigastric pain, tightness in
chest

Treatment of poisoning :
Atropine injection-1-4 mg. repeat
2 mg when symptoms begin to
recur (15-16 min interval)
excessive salivation- good sign,
more atropine needed

2.

Class II
Moderately
hazardous

Excessive salivation,
sweating, rhinorrhea and
tearing. Muscle twitching,
weakness, tremor, incoordination.

Treatment of poisoning: For

extreme symptoms of OP
poisoning, injection of atropine
(2-4 mg for adults, 0.5-1.0 mg for
children) is recommended.
Repeated at 5-10 minute
intervals until signs of
atropinization occur.

Quinalphos
Highly toxic

Hedache, dizziness,
nausea, vomiting,
abdominal cramps,
diarrhea.
- Respiratory depression,
tightness in chest,
wheezing, productive
cough, fluid in lungs.
- Pin-point pupils,
sometimes with blurred or

62

dark vision.
- Severe cases: seizures,
incontinence, respiratory
depression, loss of
consciousness.
3.

Fenpropathrin

Salivation, weakness,
ataxia, tremors,
convulsions, gastrointestinal
irritation, nausea, vomiting
and diarrhea.

First aid measure: Do not

induce vomiting unless told to do
so by a doctor, do not give
anything by mouth to an
unconscious person.

Treatment of poisoning:
Possible mucosal damage may
contraindicate the use of gastric
lavage. Treatment is supportive
and symptomatic. Diazepam has
been recommended to reduce
the central nervous system
effects
4.

Propargite

Corrosive. Causes
irreversible eye damage.
Causes skin burns.
Harmful if swallowed.
Harmful if absorbed through
skin. Harmful if inhaled.

5.

Dicofol
Moderately toxic

Class III

Headache, palpitation,
nausea, vomiting, flushed

First aid measure: Do not

induce vomiting unless told to do
so by a doctor, do not give
anything by mouth to an
unconscious person

Treatment of poisoning: No
specific antidote. Treatment is
essentially symptomatic.
Treatment of poisoning: No
specific antidote. Treatment is

15-20

63

slightly toxic

6.

7.

8.

Phosalone

face, irritation of nose,

throat, eyes and skin,
allergic manifestations etc.

essentially symptomatic

Headache, weakness,
tightness in the chest,
blurred vision, non-reactive
pinpoint pupils, salivation,
sweating, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, abdominal
cramps.

First aid measure:

Have person sip a glass of water
if able to swallow. Do not induce
vomiting unless told to do so by a
doctor. Do not give anything by
mouth to an unconscious person
Treatment of poisoning: No
specific antidote. Treatment is
essentially symptomatic
First aid measure:
Have person sip a glass of water
if able to swallow. Do not induce
vomiting unless told to do so by a
poison control center or doctor.
Do not give anything by mouth to
an unconscious.

Thiamethoxam

Profenophos
Highly toxic

Class II
bModerately
hazardous

Moderate-nausea.
salivation, lacrimation,
abdominal cramp,
vomiting, sweating, Slow
pulse, Muscular tremors,
meiosis.

Treatment of poisoning: No
specific antidote. Treatment is
essentially symptomatic.
First aid measure: Remove the
person from the contaminated
environment. In case of (a) Skin
contact-Remove all
contaminated clothings and
immediately wash with lot of
water and soap: (b) Eye
contamination -Wash the eyes

64

with plenty of cool and clean

water; (c) Inhalation - Carry the
person to the open fresh air,
loosen the clothings around neck
and chest, and' (d) Ingestion -If
the victim is fully conscious.
Induce vomiting by tickling back
of the throat. Do not administer
milk alcohol and fatty substances.
In case the person is
unconscious make sure the
breathing passage is kept clear
without any obstruction. Victim's
head should be little lowered and
face should be turned to one side
in the lying down position. In case
of breathing difficulty. give mouth
to mouth or mouth to nose
breathing.
Medical aid: Take the patient to
the doctor /Primary Health Centre
immediately along with the
original container, leaflet and
label.
Treatment of poisoning:
For extreme symptoms of OP
poisoning, injection of atropine
(2-4 mg for adults. 0.5-1.0 mg for
children) is recommended,
repeated at 5-10 minute
intervals until signs of
atropinization occur. Speed is
imperative
Atropine injection 1 to 4 mg.
Repeat 2mg when toxic
symptoms begin to recur (15-16
65

9.

Deltamethrin
Highly toxic

Class II Moderately
hazardous

Headache. Palpitation,
nausea, vomiting flushed
face. Irritation of nose,
throat eyes and skin,
allergic manifestations etc.

minute intervals), Excessive

salivation - good sign, more
atropine needed:
Keep airways open, Aspirate, use
oxygen insert endotracheal tube.
Do tracheotomy and give artificial
respiration as needed.
For ingestion lavage stomach
with 5% sodium bicarbonate, if
not vomiting. For skin contact,
wash with soap and water (eyeswash with isotonic saline). Wear
rubber gloves while washing
contact areas.
In addition to atropine give 2PAM
(2-pyridinc aldoxime methiodide).
1g and 0.25g for infants
intravenously at a slow rate over
a period of 5 minutes and
administer again periodically as
indicated. More than one injection
may be required.
Avoid morphine, theophyllin,
aminophyllin. Barbiturates or
phenothiazincs.
Do not give atropine to a
Cyanotic patient.
Give artificial respiration first then
Administer atropine.
Treatment of poisoning: No
specific antidote treatment is
essentially symptomatic.

66

10.

Bifenthrin
Highly
Toxic

Class II
Moderately
hazardous

11.

Fenazaquin

Class II
Moderately
hazardous

12.

Hexythiazox
Moderately toxic

Class III
slightly
hazardous

Symptoms of overexposure
include bleeding from
the nose, tremors and
convulsions

First aid measures: Drink 1 or 2

glasses of water and induce
vomiting by touching the back of
the throat with a finger. Never
induce vomiting or give anything
by mouth to an unconscious
person. Contact a medical doctor.
Treatment of poisoning: Gastric
lavage using an endotracheal
tube may be preferred to
vomiting. Reversible skin
sensations (paresthesia) may
occur and ordinary skin salves
have been found useful in
reducing discomfort.
First aid measures: Immediately
flush contaminated eyes with
gently flowing water. Do not
induce vomiting. If vomiting
occurs, lean patient forward or
place on the left side (head-down
position, if possible) to maintain
an open airway and prevent
aspiration. Keep patient quiet and
maintain normal body
temperature.
-

11

67

Fungicides
1.
Sulphur
Slightly toxic

Headache, palpitation,
nausea, vomiting, flushed
face, irritation of nose,
throat, eyes and skin
etc.

Treatment of poisoning: No
specific antidote. Treatment is
essentially symptomatic

2.

Copper
oxychloride
Moderately toxic

Class III
slightly
hazardous

Headache, palpitation,
nausea, vomiting, flushed
face, irritation of nose,
throat, eyes and skin etc.

First aid measures: Rush to the

nearest physician.
Treatment of poisoning: No
specific antidote. Treatment is
essentially symptomatic.

3.

Propiconazole
Moderately toxic

Class III
Slightly
Hazardous

Headache, palpitation,
nausea, vomiting, flushed
face, irritation of nose,
throat, eyes and skin etc.

Treatment of poisoning: No
specific antidote. Treatment is
essentially symptomatic.

68

XIII. BASIC PRECAUTIONS IN PESTICIDES 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 expose to sunlight or rain
water; Do not store 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. Equipment
1. Select right kind of equipment.
2. Do not use leaky and defective equipment
3. Select right kind of nozzles
4. Do not 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
69

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.

XIV. PESTICIDE APPLICATION TECHNIQUES

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

Vegetative
stage

Insecticides
and

Motorized knapsack

70

Reproductive
stage
(Field Pests)

fungicides

sprayer or mist blower

(Droplets of small size)
Airblast nozzle
Operating speed: 2/3rd
throttle
Or
Battery operated low
volume sprayer (Droplets of
small size)
Spinning disc nozzle

Mosquito/
locust and
spatial
application
(migratory
Pests)

Insecticides
and
fungicides

Fogging machine and ENV

(Exhaust nozzle vehicle)
(Droplets of very small
size)
Hot tube nozzle

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.

71

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.

72

XVI. REFERENCES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.

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http://bugguide.net/node/view/348888
http://entomology.k-state.edu/extension/insect-photo-gallery/Corn-Insects.html
http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/Other%20Arachnids/Acari4.htm
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/O&T/specificplants/note138/note138.html
http://www.ikisan.com/Archive/archive9.htm1.http://keys.lucidcentral.org/keys/sweetpotato/key/
http://nematology.umd.edu/rootknot.html
http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/pgg/dan_webpage/Introduction/Images/pyroform.htm
http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2009/bell_patr/interactions.htm
http://ecoport.org/ep?SearchType=pdb&PdbID=20164 http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2009/bell_patr/interactions.htm
http://washedashore.com/blog/07-1/DSC00656.JPG
http://www.steveconaway.com/travel/honolulu
http://kau.edu/pop/beverages&stimulants.htm
http://www.agritech.tnau.ac.in/agriculture/agri_index.html
http://www.ihbt.res.in/TIM/fert1.jpg
Naidu, V.S.G.R. 2012, Hand Book on Weed Identification Directorate of Weed Science Research, Jabalpur, India Pp 354.

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