The Nilgiris: Lack of proper maintainence has led to widespread infestation of Oligonychus coffeae Nietner, the red spider mite (RSM) at Tamil Nadu Tea Plantation Corporation Limited (TAN) estates in Pandalur.
The Nilgiris: Lack of proper maintainence has led to widespread infestation of Oligonychus coffeae Nietner, the red spider mite (RSM) at Tamil Nadu Tea Plantation Corporation Limited (TAN) estates in Pandalur.
Red Spider Mite, a pest that affects the tea plantations has been reported across the Nilgiris. Though the pest infests tea plants through the year, wide spread infestation is reported during warm weather conditions and decreases once rains set in.
While other private tea estates in the Nilgiris have taken precautionary measures to protect the tea leaves from RSM, lack of preparedness in TAN tea estates maintained by the TN State government is on the verge of experiencing an outbreak of RSM.
"Disease management for RSM involves pruning of infested leaves, spraying water to retain moisture on leaves and isolating infested plants etc. If RSM is not contained, it could affect the productivity", opine a tea estate labourer from Pandalur.
These pests generally cling to the bottom of the tea leaves, sucking the nutrients and sometimes causing the leaves to dry out and die. The pests that leave a reddish brown mark on the upper surface of mature leaves, will turn red in severe cases of infestation, resulting in crop loss, say experts.
Red Spider Mite, a pest that affects the tea plantations has been reported across the Nilgiris. Though the pest infests tea plants through the year, wide spread infestation is reported during warm weather conditions and decreases once rains set in.
While other private tea estates in the Nilgiris have taken precautionary measures to protect the tea leaves from RSM, lack of preparedness in TAN tea estates maintained by the TN State government is on the verge of experiencing an outbreak of RSM.
"Disease management for RSM involves pruning of infested leaves, spraying water to retain moisture on leaves and isolating infested plants etc. If RSM is not contained, it could affect the productivity", opine a tea estate labourer from Pandalur.
These pests generally cling to the bottom of the tea leaves, sucking the nutrients and sometimes causing the leaves to dry out and die. The pests that leave a reddish brown mark on the upper surface of mature leaves, will turn red in severe cases of infestation, resulting in crop loss, say experts.