Occurrence and distribution of major pests and diseases of coconut during roving survey in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu

Roving survey was carried out during 2022-23 in Agastheeswaram, Rajakamangalam, Kurunthancode, Thuckalay, Thovalai and Killiyoor blocks of Kanyakumari district and the extent of damage in terms of incidence and intensity were recorded for major pests and diseases of coconut. The fungal diseases viz., bud rot, basal stem rot and phytoplasma disease viz., root (wilt) and insect pests namely Rugose spiraling whitefly, Rhinoceros beetle and Red palm weevil were widely prevalent in these blocks of the districts. The data revealed that the maximum infestation of rugose spiraling whitefly (18.44 %) in Vellimallai village of Kurenthencode block and minimum incidence of 8.00 percent was noticed in Nattalam village of Killiyoor block. The rhinoceros beetle was noticed in all age palm groups. The maximum incidence (16.22 %) was noticed in Nallur village of Agastheeswaram block and minimum incidence (5.00 %) in Puthalam village of Rajakkamangalam block. Incidence of red palm weevil was 16.43 per cent in Nullivillai B of Thuckalay block and minimum incidence of 1.33 was recorded in Eravipudoor village of Agastheeswarm block. Among the various diseases, Root wilt was severe and highest incidence of 74.42 per cent was observed in Thippiramalai village of killiyoor block followed by 52.63 per cent in Vellimallai village of Kurenthencode block. The highest incidence of bud rot (7.91%) was observed in Dharmapuram village of Rajakkamangalam block and basal stem rot incidence (5.0 %) in Nattalam village, Killiyor block.