Citrus growers upset over trunk borer attack

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

Itagar, Sept 5: Citrus growers in Aruchal Pradesh are very much shocked this year as trunk borers are likely to spoil their orchards.

According to a recent survey made under Rural Horticulture Work Experience, a team of students from College of Horticulture, Pasighat in East Siang district visited twenty citrus orchards and found that at least three out of every five plants were infested with citrus trunk borer in Mirem and adjoining villages like Miglung, Bilat and Ledum, an official report informed here today.

This insect is very common and devastating pest in North East region. It bores near the base of the trunk, make easy access to get in and lay their eggs. It filly makes zigzag galleries beneath the bark and tunnel into the trunk or main stem and as a result of feeding on the interl tissues; the attacked branches wither away and die, the report said. Proper awareness campaign is the need of the hour to sensitize the growers. As an immediate step, covering the tree trunks with white latex paint can prevent the bark from splitting and cracking off, the team suggest in its observation.

However, it will be wise if the growers survey their orchards and take opinion and help from the experts, it added.