Litchi stink bug (Tessaratoma javanica) infestation in crop.
By Avijit Biswas
Bhagalpur: It could sound disappointing for litchi lovers. The much sought after luscious fruit faces serious threat of yield drop this season in state due to litchi stink bug (Tessaratoma javanica) infestation in crop.
The agriculture experts consider presence of stink bug a major phytosanitary threat for litchi producing areas of state and also outside state. The litchi stink bug it is stated feeds tender shoots and fruit stalks besides causes serious damage to developing fruits by sucking juice from the fruits.
The fruit damage caused by the bug it is apprehended could drastically reduce yield. To deal with the situation a multi-institutional task force consisting scientists of ICAR -National Research Centre on Litchi, Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University and Bihar Agricultural University, Sbour has been constituted.
The multi-institutional task force will focus on scientific surveillance, geo referenced monitoring and formulating integrated pest management strategies.
Dr Tarak Nath Goswami of Bihar Agricultural University nominated in multi-institutional task force, under guidance of Dr A.K Singh and Dr Kiran Kumari senior agriculture experts of university surveyed some litchi producing areas of this district recently along with Deepak Kumar a student of university for situation assessment.
The areas surveyed for situation assessment included Kahalgaon, Pannuchak, Mamalkha, Tintanga, Ganganagar, Buddhuchak beside university farm area. In course of survey some litchi stink bug nymphs were found in litchi trees in botanical garden of university while other orchards surveyed were found to be free of stink bug.
As per Bihar Agricultural University scientists though spread of stink bug in litchi crop at present remains limited at local level however possibility of widespread infestation cannot be ruled out totally. Regular monitoring and initial control are essential to restrict widespread infestation, scientists feel.
Dr D R Singh, VC, Bihar Agricultural University, said scientific surveillance of litchi crop is regularly being undertaken by university in litchi producing areas, in association with national research institutes and horticulture department of state government. He stressed scientific surveillance, quick diagnosis, timebound integrated pest management and creating awareness among farmers is essential to ensure normal litchi production in state.
Through Sabour area specific pest management protocol and scientific advisory services, the university will do needful to protect interests of litchi growers of this area, VC assured.
About the Author
Avijit Biswas is a former reporter with the Hindustan Times, Patna Edition, based in Bhagalpur. He has more than 25 years of experience covering politics and other key beats across eastern Bihar. Known for his in-depth ground reporting and strong grasp of regional issues, Biswas has closely followed political developments and social trends in the region, earning credibility for accurate and balanced journalism. Avijt may be contacted at biswasavijit@yahoo.com
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