Pollu beetle(Lanka ramakrishnai/Longitarsus nigripennis)

Symptoms

• Serious insect pest in black pepper plantations in the plains and at lower altitudes.
• The adults feed on tender shoots, spikes and berries.
• The infested shoots and spikes turn black and drop.
• The grub on emergence bore into the berries, feed on the internal contents and make them hollow.
• The infested berries turn yellow initially and then black and crumble when pressed.
• The pest population is more severe in shaded areas.
• During the period from January to April the adults do not breed but remain in the field feeding on older leaves.

Management

• Regulation of shade in plantations
• Spray neem garlic emulsion (20 ml neem oil + 20 gram garlic paste +5 gram bar soap/litre of water) as 3 sprays at spike emergence ,berry formation ,berry maturation stage.

Chemical Control

Extremely Toxic

Highly Toxic

Moderately Toxic

Slightly Toxic