A Technique for the Application of Systemic Insecticides Through 'Tetiolar Wells" in Coconut.

Abstract

Application of systemic insecticide through a cavity in the base of a petiole
("petiolar well") in the coconut palm has been demonstrated to be useful in the
control of foliar pests of coconut. The movement of systemic insecticides through the
crown of mature coconut palms was monitored through larval mortality of the coconut
caterpillar, Opisina arenosella Wlk. (Nephantis serinopa Meyr). Maximum effect was
recorded when the insecticide was fed via "petiolar wells" in the 11th frond.
The usefulness of other fronds for treatment and the advantage of this method
over the conventional trunk injection and soil dressing methods are also discussed.