Pests and Disease Management in Sapota and Jackfruit
1. Sapota (Manilkara zapota)
Sapota, also known as chikoo, is an important tropical fruit crop grown widely in India. It is susceptible to several pests and diseases that affect yield and fruit quality. Proper management practices are essential.
a) Common Pests of Sapota
- Sapota Seed Borer (Cydia spp.):
Larvae bore into seeds and fruits causing premature fruit drop and internal damage.
Management:- Collect and destroy infested fruits.
- Use pheromone traps to monitor adult moth activity.
- Spray insecticides like Carbaryl 0.1% or Quinalphos 0.05% during peak egg-laying periods.
- Leaf Webber (Euproctis spp.):
Caterpillars feed on leaves and web the leaves together, causing defoliation.
Management:- Prune and destroy affected shoots.
- Spray Neem oil 2% or chemical insecticides like Cypermethrin 0.01%.
- Mealybugs (Ferrisia virgata):
Suck sap from young shoots and fruits causing yellowing and sooty mold.
Management:- Use natural enemies like ladybird beetles.
- Spray insecticidal soap or neem-based formulations.
- Chemical control with Imidacloprid 0.003% if severe.
b) Common Diseases of Sapota
- Anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides):
Causes leaf spots, fruit rot, and twig dieback.
Management:- Spray Copper oxychloride 0.3% or Mancozeb 0.25% at regular intervals, especially during rainy season.
- Prune and remove infected parts.
- Stem End Rot:
Fungal infection that causes fruit decay from the stem end after harvest.
Management:- Harvest fruits carefully.
- Post-harvest treatment with fungicides like Carbendazim 0.1%.
- Powdery Mildew:
White powdery fungal growth on leaves and shoots.
Management:- Spray Sulphur 0.2% or neem-based fungicides.
2. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
Jackfruit is a large tropical fruit tree commonly grown in many parts of India. It faces several pest and disease challenges.
a) Common Pests of Jackfruit
- Fruit Borer (Diaphania spp.):
Larvae bore into developing fruits causing damage and premature fruit drop.
Management:- Destroy infested fruits.
- Use pheromone traps to catch adults.
- Spray insecticides such as Chlorpyrifos 0.05% during fruiting season.
- Mealybugs:
Sap-sucking insects causing leaf curling, fruit drop, and sooty mold.
Management:- Use biological control like parasitoids (Anagyrus spp.).
- Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap regularly.
- Chemical sprays with Imidacloprid 0.005% if infestation is severe.
- Fruit Flies:
Lay eggs in ripening fruits leading to maggot damage.
Management:- Use bait traps with protein hydrolysate and insecticide.
- Bagging fruits with paper or plastic bags to prevent oviposition.
b) Common Diseases of Jackfruit
- Stem and Fruit Rot (Phytophthora spp.):
Causes decay of fruits and stem lesions. It is a serious disease in humid conditions.
Management:- Avoid waterlogging and ensure good drainage.
- Spray Metalaxyl 0.1% or Mancozeb 0.25% during rainy season.
- Remove and destroy infected parts.
- Leaf Spot (Phyllosticta spp.):
Causes brown circular spots on leaves leading to defoliation.
Management:- Spray fungicides like Copper oxychloride 0.3%.
- Remove and burn affected leaves.
- Powdery Mildew:
White powdery fungal growth on leaves and young shoots.
Management:- Spray Sulphur 0.2% or neem-based fungicides at early stages.
Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) Practices
- Cultural Practices:
Proper pruning, sanitation, and removal of infected plant parts reduce pest and disease incidence. - Biological Control:
Use of natural predators and parasitoids reduces chemical dependency. - Chemical Control:
Use recommended insecticides and fungicides at the correct doses and intervals, especially during vulnerable stages. - Monitoring:
Regular field inspection and use of pheromone traps help in early pest detection and timely management. - Good Agricultural Practices (GAP):
Proper irrigation, balanced fertilization, and crop hygiene improve plant health and resistance.
Summary Table
| Crop | Major Pests | Management Practices | Major Diseases | Management Practices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sapota | Seed borer, leaf webber, mealybug | Pheromone traps, neem oil, insecticides like Carbaryl | Anthracnose, stem end rot, powdery mildew | Copper fungicides, carbendazim, sulphur |
| Jackfruit | Fruit borer, fruit flies, mealybug | Pheromone traps, bait traps, neem oil, insecticides | Stem and fruit rot, leaf spot, powdery mildew | Metalaxyl, copper fungicides, sulphur |
In conclusion, effective management of pests and diseases in sapota and jackfruit requires a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical methods. Timely interventions and monitoring ensure healthy plants, higher yield, and quality fruits under Indian horticultural conditions.