Evaluation of different prune cut protectants for management of low country live- wood termite of tea
Date
2013-07-04
Authors
Bandara, G. K. T. P.
Mohotti, K. M.
Ahangama, D.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Peradeniya
Abstract
The Low Country Live-Wood Termite (Glyptotermes dilatatus) is considered as the most economically important major pest of low-country tea in Sri Lanka. Chemical control of the pest has proved to be ineffective and uneconomical. Instead, the use of tolerant cultivars, sanitary pruning and application of wound dressings to prune cuts are recommended in the Integrated Pest Management strategy. As a persistent and cost effective wound dressing is a timely need for the industry, eight alternative wound dressings were screened for preventing wood rotting and safeguarding the tea bush from the pest under laboratory and field conditions using G. dilatatus on the susceptible cultivar TRI 2026. Candarsan (existing recommendation), Brunolium 15%, Brunolium 3%, their Wax mixtures and Enamel Paint were evaluated as prune cut protectants by checking fungal colonies growing on the cut surfaces.
Missing parts were observed in cuttings treated with Candarsan under laboratory and field conditions, and in highest persistency than other prune cut wound dressings over the two month period.
Therefore, Brunolium 15% can be considered as a cost effective wound dressing with antifungal properties and field persistency.
Description
Keywords
Glyptotermes dilatatus , Low country Live-wood termite , Tea
Citation
Peradeniya University Research Sessions Purse 2012 , Book of Abstracts, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, Vol-17, July .4. 2013 P 240