Plantation Crops

Cashew stem and root borer (Ploceaederus ferrugineus L. )

• A dreaded enemy of cashew leading to death of the tree this pest is more severe in neglected cashew plantation.
• Methods of damage = Grubs comes out and bores into the bark and feed on the epidermal and vascular tissues = Tunneling of stem and roots

Symptoms

1) Presence of small holes in the collar region
2) Gummosis : Oozing of gum
3) Frass extrusion : Extrusion of chewed up fibres and excreta
4) Bark discolouration
5) Foliar Yellowing : Yellowing and shedding leaves
6) Dreaded enemy : Death of tree