Udupi: ICAR–CPCRI, Kasaragod, in collaboration with the Karnataka state horticulture department, organised a farmer sensitisation programme at Hadavu village, Kundapur, Udupi district, on Tuesday. The programme focused on the biological management of coconut black-headed caterpillar, a sporadic defoliator pest of coconut.A team of scientists led by A Josephrajkumar, head crop protection ICAR CPCRI, Rajkumar, Prathibha PS and Mahendran B, along with Kshama Patil, deputy director of horticulture, and Praveen, horticultural officer, Kundapur, visited the pest-infested hotspot to assess the degree of pest incidence and recommend appropriate management measures. Around 20 coconut growers participated in the programme.A Josephrajkumar explained the damage caused by the black-headed caterpillar, and highlighted sustainable methods for its management. He emphasised that regular pest surveillance and early detection are essential for the successful biological control of black-headed caterpillar using larval parasitoids. The parasitoids were released in an identified pest-infested area on the trunk of the coconut. Farmers were trained in parasitoid release techniques. The scientists also stressed the importance of community action among neighbouring coconut growers to prevent pest spread and ensure effective area-wide management.The institute has successfully managed outbreaks of black-headed caterpillar in Thokkottu in 2017 and Mangaluru in 2023 through the sequential release of stage-specific parasitoids. Similar demonstrations of biological suppression were also conducted in Padukere of Udupi and Arsikere of Tumakuru in Karnataka, highlighting the potential of parasitoid-based management for sustainable, area-wide suppression of this sporadic pest.The team also visited Hemmady village to assess the traditional chrysanthemum cultivar, Hemmady Sevanthige. Although no visible pest or disease incidence was observed at the initial planting stage, farmers expressed concerns about crop protection. The scientists recommended regular crop monitoring and eco-friendly pest management practices to reduce dependence on chemical pesticides.
