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Chitra Phadnis

If mite-resistant trees are identified and seeds from this are used for future propagation, the problem could come down but only in 25- 30 years' time.

BANGALORE, June 9

UNLESS individual coconut tree owners (homes which have one or two trees) take adequate measures to stop mite infestation, it cannot be contained, according to UAS acarologist, Dr B. Mallik, who specialises in mite control.

The eryophid mite, that infested most trees in the State causing immature nuts to dry up and fall off, is carried by air to the neighbouring trees, which in turn get infected. "So even if one tree is left untreated, there is every likelihood of the problem recurring,'' Dr Mallik said.

New problems are cropping up in urban areas, he said. "There are private parties who have taken undue advantage of the situation and have been misguiding people,'' he said. People have been offering a one-time solution to get rid of the mites. In some cases, they even claim to come from the UAS, he said. Dr Mallik has had complaints from residents who have used these services and then realised that the mite problem was back after a while.

"This is because there is no one-time solution to get rid of mites,'' he clarified. Just one round of treatment will not help. Spraying needs to be done every 2-3 months. If mite-resistant trees are identified and seeds from this are used for future propagation, the problem could come down but only in 25- 30 years' time. Till then, "we just have to learn to live with it,'' he said. Dr Mallik advises spraying monocrotophos at least four times a year during March-April, June -July, September-October and January-February. "It is too much to expect the Government to do this; it is up to each resident to look after the tree in his/her house,'' he said.

Meanwhile, PJ Margo Pvt Ltd, makers of Econeem, a bio pesticide to control the eryophid mite, plans to carry out a door-to-door survey on how many householders are aware of the problem and how much they are willing to pay to solve it.

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