Plant Protection

Sandal spike disease is a serious problem. This is believed to be caused by mycoplasma like organisms. In affected plants, growth of leaves gets stunted (assumes a spike like form and hence the name “spike disease”) and later premature leaf fall occurs. Within 2-3 years, plant will die. A preventive measure is yet to be known. However, removal of affected plant parts or plants as a whole from the field is recommended against spike disease. Spike disease is transferred by pests like Jassidus indicus, Moono albimaculata etc. These vectors can be controlled by quinalphos 0.05 per cent. Sandal is also affected by stem borers such as Zeuzera coffeae, Aristobia octo-fasiculata etc. which can be controlled by spraying dimethoate 0.05 per cent.