Helopeltis management by chemicals in cashew: A critical concern

Adequate research efforts were undertaken for Helopeltis management in cashew for the last 4–5 decade. In the process, chemical pesticides emerged as the most reliable, cheap and popular solution. Chemicals under organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, synthetic pyrethroids, and others including botanical- all were tried-nnd-tested in the field with varying degree of success. Perusal of literature on chemical control of tea mosquito bug (TMB, Helopeltis antonii) reveals that endosulfan, monocrotophos, carbaryl and quinalphos are the most effective pesticides with endosulfan being widely used and recommended at large. In the recent past, however, the allegedly ecocidal episode of endosulfan at Padre village in Northern Kerala, has initiated an unabated debate on this issue, the related environmental-impact-assessment, the three R's Resistance, Residues, Resurgence and mostly the health-hazards. It is felt, adoption of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the sole solution; reasonably relying on need based spraying to reduce the pesticide-load in nature. However, adoption of IPM warrants working out economic threshold level for the target insect-pest. Unfortunately, even after 4–5 decades of long research, little attempt has been made in this regard. Developing such a decision tool is imperative for formulating an IPM strategy in cashew. A concise, consolidated and critical review is presented in this article in particular on chemical control of the target-pest. The candidates competitive to chemicals viz., botanicals, biopesticides, biomolecules (pheromones), biotechnological approach and biocontrol agent (5Bs) vis-à-vis chemical means are discussed for their possible increased roles in the near future. The present situation regarding chemical control in cashew, the research gaps, and possible future strategies are outlined critically. Role of ant-technology in managing TMB, plus enhancing the potential yield is highlighted. On this backdrop, an honest attempt is made in formulating an IPM package for TMB.