Abstract
Aggregations of palm aphid Cerataphis brasiliensis (Hempel) (Aphididae: Hemiptera) on the unfurled spindle leaf of ‘Kalparaksha’ variety of coconut, a selection from Malayan Green Dwarf, is reported for the first time. C. brasiliensis has not yet been observed from other coconut varieties, viz., West Coast Tall, Chowghat Orange Dwarf, Chowghat Green Dwarf, and Dwarf x Tall hybrids planted in the research farm of Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kayangulam, Kerala, India. Only the apterous form of the palm aphid was noticed in the semi-tall variety and a variety-induced emergence of C. brasiliensis is indicated under natural conditions. Due to the presence of two phoretic ant species, no natural predator was observed in the aphid colonies. Two sprays of dimethoate (0.05%) at an interval of 15–20 days were effective in suppression of the pest on Kalparaksha.
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Josephrajkumar, A., Rajan, P., Mohan, C. et al. Report on the palm aphid, Cerataphis brasiliensis on ‘Kalparaksha’ coconut cultivar. Phytoparasitica 39, 389–391 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12600-011-0174-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12600-011-0174-4