More than 100 acres affected Unidentified pest threatens Puttalam coconut cultivators

Caterpillars clearly visible on this damaged leaf

Damage caused by the pest

Research officers inspect the damage

By Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe

Coconut cultivation in the Puttalam district is under threat by a yet unidentified pest, causing much anxiety to planters and coconut smallholders. 

A senior official of the Coconut Research Institute said the pest is spreading fast in Madurankuliya, Mangalaeliya, Mundalama, Rajakadaluwa, Tharavilluwa, Kottapitiya and Anawilundawa areas. He said the Coconut Research Institute and the Coconut Culvitation Board are taking steps to prevent the spread of the pest in the form of a caterpillar.

Planters said the caterpillar which sucks juice and eats the leaves of coconut trees has caused extensive damage to coconut trees. They pointed out that the coconut leaves affected by the pest look as if they were singed by fire. They were of the opinion that the prevailing intense heat has made the pest worse despite the usual preventive measures adopted in case of such pest attacks.

“More than 100 acres of coconut cultivation have been affected, but the preventive measures adopted by the cultivators have not been successful. We advise them to use the methods recommended by the Coconut Research Institute as recommended by Coconut Development officers. The pest could have an adverse effect on coconut production. It has been reported from Kurunegala and Polonnaruwa districts as well,” a senior official of the Coconut Research Institute said.

Meanwhile, a team of senior officials of the Coconut Research Institute have launched a programme to create awareness among coconut cultivators in Madurankuliya and Thoduwawa areas on preventive measures. 

The team included Puttalam District Manager of the Coconut Cultivation Board Jayani Senarath, Asst General Manager Kapila Hettiarachchi, Plant specialist and conservator Gayani Nissanka and Extension and Media Officer A. M. P. Sammani.