IPM Stratergies for Tea

  Tea Pests Pests of National Significance Pests and mites Diseases Weeds Broad leaf Grasses Sedges Nematod...

 

Tea Pests

1. Pests of National Significance
1. Pests and mites
2. Diseases
2. Weeds
1. Broad leaf
2. Grasses
3. Sedges
3. Nematodes
4. Pests of Minor Significance
1. Pests and mites
2. Diseases
5. IPM for Tea

Pests of National Significance

Pests and mites

• Tea mosquito bug: Helopeltis theivora Waterhouse (Miridae: Hemiptera)
• Thrips: Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thripidae: Thysanoptera)
• Jassid: Empoasca flavescens Fab. (Cicadellidae: Hemiptera)
• Aphids: Toxoptera aurantii Boyer de Fonscolombe (Aphididae: Hemiptera)
• Leaf eating caterpillar: Spodoptera litura Fab (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera)
• Bunch caterpillar: Andraca bipunctata Walker (Bombycidae: Lepidoptera)
• Red spider mite: Oligonychus coffeae Nietner (Tetranychidae: Acari)
• Tea looper complex: Buzura suppressaria Guen (Geometridae: Lepidoptera), Hyposidra talaca (Walker), H. infixaria (Walker) (Geometridae: Lepidoptera)
• Shot hole borer: Euwallacea fornicates Eichhoff (Scolytidae: Coleoptera)
• Live wood eating termite: Microcerotermes sp. (Isoptera:Termitidae)
• Scavenging termites: Odontermes sp. (Isoptera:Termitidae)

Diseases

• Brown and Grey blight: Colletotrichum sp. & Pestalotiopsis theae (Sawada) Steyaert
• Black rot: Corticium theae, C. invisum
• Blister blight: Exobasidium vexans Massee
• Red rust: Cephaleuros parasiticus Scot Nelson, C,mycoides
• Poria branch canker: Poria hypobrunnea Petch
• Charcol stump rot: Ustulina zonata (Lév.) Sacc.
• Brown root rot disease: Fomes lamoensis

Weeds

Broad leaf

• Goat weed: Ageratum conyzoides L. (Asteraceae)
• Landrina: Borreria hispida L. (Rubiaceae)
• Tropical spider wort: Commelina benghalensis L. (Commelinaceae)
• Hill glory bower: Clerodendron infortunatum L. (Verbinaceae)
• Malabar melastome: Melastoma malabathricum L. (Melastomataceae)
• Bitter Vine: Mikania micrantha Kunth (Aseteraceae)
• Non tai baihong: Pouzolzia indica (L.) G. Benn (Urticaceae)
• Congo jute: Urena lobata L. (Malvaceae)
• Wood sorrels: Oxalis corymbosa L., O. acetocella (Oxalidaceae)
• Kuppaimeni: Acalypha indica L. (Euphorbiaceae)
• Common wireweed: Sida acuta Burm.f. (Malvaceae)
• Aligator yam: Ipomea digitata L. (Convolvulaceae)
• Cichorium: Cichorium intybus L. (Astaraceae)
• False amaranth: Digera arvensis Forsk. (Amaranthaceae)
• Asthma plant: Euphorbia spp. (Euphorbiaceae)

Grasses

• Buffalo grass: Paspalum conjugatum L. (Poaceae)
• Torpedo grass: Pannicum repens L. (Poaceae)
• Blady grass: Imperata cylendrica (L.) P.Beauv. (Poaceae)
• Hairy crabgrass: Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. (Poaceae)
• Indian goosegrass: Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. (Poaceae)
• Blanket grass: Axonopus compressus (Sw.) P.Beauv. (Poaceae)
• Bermuda grass: Cynadon dactylon L. (Poaceae)
• Kans grass: Saccharum spontanium L. (Poaceae)

Sedges

• Purple nutsedge: Cyperus rotundus L. (Cyperaceae)
• Yellow nutsedge: Cyperus esculentus L. (Cyperaceae)

Nematodes

• Root knot nematode: Meloidogyne spp (Heteroderidae: Tylenchida)
• Root lesion nematode: Pratylenchus spp

Pests of Minor Significance

Pests and mites

• Flush worm: Cydia leucostoma Meyrick (Tortricidae: Lepidoptera)
• Pink and Purple mite: Acaphylla theae Watt and Calacarus carinatus Green (Eriophyidae: Acarina)
• Scarlet mite: Brevipalpus phoenicis Geijskes (Tenuipalpidae : Acarina)
• Yellow mite: Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks (Tarsonemidae: Acarina)
• Leaf roller: Caloptilia theivora Walsingham (Gracillariidae: Lepidoptera)
• Scales: Saissetia formicarii Takahashi, S. coffeae Walker, Eriochiton theae Green, Coccus viridis Green (Coccidae: Hemiptera)
• Tea tortrix: Homona coffearia Nietner (Tortricide: Lepidoptera)

Diseases

• Black root disease: Rosellinia arcuata Petch
• Charcoal stump rot: Ustulina zonata (Lév.) Sacc.
• Collar canker: Phomopsis theae Petch
• Branch Canker: Poria hypobrunnea Petch
• Twig die back, stem canker: Macrophoma theicola Siemaszko

IPM for Tea

To know the IPM practices for Tea, click here.

Source: NIPHM; Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage

 

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21 ratings and 0

Tea Beneficial Insects

1. Parasitoids
1. Egg parasitoids
2. Larval parasitoids
3. Pupal parasitoids
2. Predators
3. IPM for Tea

Parasitoids

Egg parasitoids

Larval parasitoids

Pupal parasitoids

 

 

 

 

Predators

IPM for Tea

To know the IPM practices for Tea, click here.

Source: NIPHM; Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage

 

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22 ratings 

Tea Diseases

1. Blister blight
2. Red rust
3. Brown blight, grey blight
4. Twig die back, stem canker
5. Brown root rot disease
6. Red root rot disease
7. Disease cycle
8. IPM for Tea

Blister blight

Disease symptoms

• Small, pinhole-size spots are initially seen on young leaves less than a month old. As the leaves develop, the spots become transparent, larger, and light brown.
• After about 7 days, the lower leaf surface develops blister-like symptoms, with dark green, water-soaked zones surrounding the blisters.
• Following release of the fungal spores, the blister becomes white and velvety.
• Subsequently the blister turns brown, and young infected stems become bent and distorted and may break off or die.

Survival and spread

• The pathogens survive on leaves or stems and in fallen plant host debris.
• Disease is readily spread by the dispersal of spore by wind.

Favourable conditions

Red rust

Disease symptoms

• Leaves develop lesions that are roughly circular, raised, and purple to reddish-brown. The alga may spread from leaves to branches and fruit.
• Most algal spots develop on the upper leaf surface.
• Older infections become greenish-gray and look like lichen. Cephaleuros usually does not harm the plant.

Survival and spread

• The pathogens reproduce and survive in spots on leaves or stems and in fallen plant host debris.

Favourable conditions

• Frequent rains and warm weather are favorable conditions for these pathogens. For hosts, poor plant nutrition, poor soil drainage, and stagnant air are predisposing factors to infection by the algae

Brown blight, grey blight

Disease symptoms

• Small, oval, pale yellow-green spots first appear on youngleaves. Often the spots are surrounded by a narrow, yellow zone.
• As the spots grow and turn brown or gray, concentric rings with scattered, tiny black dots become visible and eventually the dried tissue falls, leading to defoliation. Leaves of any age can be affected.

Survival and spread

• The pathogen survives in decay plant debris which is the sourse of primary infection.
• When young twigs of susceptible cultivars are cut and used to root new plants, latent mycelium in the leaf tissue may start to invade nearby cells to form brown spots, and this may lead to death of leaves and twigs.

Favourable conditions

• The disease is favored by poor air circulation, high temperature, and high humidity or prolonged periods of leaf wetness.

Twig die back, stem canker

Disease symptoms

• The first symptoms include browning and drooping of affected leaves. As the disease spreads into the shoots, they become dry and die. The entire branch can die from the tip downward.
• Dying branches often have cankers-shallow, slowly spreading lesions surrounded by a thick area of bark.

Survival and spread

• The fungus usually requires wounded plant tissue to gain entry and initiate infection.
• Spores are spread when splashed by rain and can survive for several weeks on pruned branches left in the field.

Favourable conditions

• Rainy weather favors its spread, and dry conditions promote its development.

Brown root rot disease

Disease symptoms

• Tea plants of all ages are susceptible to this disease. Affectedbushes occur in patches, usually around old tree stumps, but sometimes isolated bushes are affected.
• Plants become weaker and their leaves begin to turn yellow and finally wilt and defoliate, eventually leading to death of the plant.
• Longitudinal cracks are usually present on the collar above the soil level but also on the tap root and lateral roots.
• Scrapping of the bark at the collar region reveals sheets of creamy white mycelia and the wood has a strong mushroom like-smell.

Survival and spread

• Disease is spread by spores carried by wind, lodges on stumps of shade trees; infection spreads mainly through root contact and alternate hosts are Coffee, Grevillea, Albizia and Erythrina.

Favourable conditions

• Disease is common in low elevation areas. Humid and rainy season favour the development of disease.

Red root rot disease

Symptoms

• Disease is also called as Poria root disease of tea.
• First symptoms appear as yellowing of the leaf followed by wilting and then sudden death of the bush or entire bush with the weathered leaves are attached to the stem for several days.

Survival and spread

• The pathogen is soil borne and mycelium present in the soil is the source of primary infection.

Favourable conditions

• Humid and rainy season favour the development of the disease.

Disease cycle

Blister blight:

Rust

Brown and grey blight

Twig die back, stem canker

IPM for Tea

To know the IPM practices for Tea, click here.

Source: NIPHM; Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantie Storage

 

2.86   

 

35 ratings

Tea Insect Pests

1. Tea mosquito bug
2. Thrips
3. Leaf eating caterpillar
4. Jassid
5. Aphids
6. Bunch caterpillar
7. Red spider mite
8. Purple mite
9. Pink mite
10. Yellow mite
11. Scarlet mite
12. Root knot nematode
13. IPM for Tea

Tea mosquito bug

Biology

• Egg: The eggs are elongated and sausage shaped. Each egg bears two C filamentous processes which project out from the tissues in which the eggs have been inserted Hatching occurs within 5 to 7 days in summer and 20 to 27 days m winter.
• Nymph: The nymph bears delicate, elongated legs. The dirty-yellow nymphs suck the sap of the host plant and undergo five moults to attain maturity. The larval period lasts for 9-10 days in summer and 25-29 days in winter.
• Adult: The adult H. theivora is small bug measuring 6-8 mm in length. The body is slender and elongated with yellowish-brown or olive green head, dark red thorax and yellow and greenishblack abdomen. Appendages are long, dark and delicate. The thorax bears a characteristic dorsal knobbed process. Life cycle is completed in about 15 20 days in summer and 45-60 days in winter in North-East Indian conditions. There may be several generations in a year.

Life cycle

Damage symptoms

• The nymphs and adults suck the sap of the young leaves, buds and tender stems and while doing so, they injects toxic saliva which causes the breakdown of tissues around the site of feeding.
• Within 2-3 hours of sucking a circular spot is formed around the feeding point and in 24 hours it becomes translucent, light browning. Within a few days the spots appear as dark brown sunken spots which subsequently dry up. The badly affected leaves become deformed and even curl-up.
• In addition, due to oviposition, the tender stems develop cracks and over-callusing which lead to blockage of vascular bundle thereby affecting the physiology causing stunted growth and sometimes die-back of the stems

Natural enemies of tea mosquito bug

• Parasitoids: Mymarid, Erythmelus helopeltidis.
• Predators: Chrysoperla zastrowii sillemi, Mallada sp, Oxyopes sp. (Spider), Reduviid bug Praying Mantids.
• Pathogens: Nematodes (Hexamermis sp.) Beauveria bassiana.

Thrips

Biology

• Egg: The egg is bean-shaped, slightly narrower at one end and is almost colourless when freshly laid.
• Nymph: The newly hatched nymph is almost white but soon after sucking of plant sap, the colour gradually changes to pale yellow. The second instar nymph is orange yellow .
• Pre-pupa: The pre-pupa can be recognized by the free antennae directed forward while in the pupa; the antennae are reflected over the head to reach the middle of the pro-thorax.
• Adult: The adult insect is pale yellow in colour, the abdomen being paler. The female measures 1.05 mm long and 0.19 mm width. The male measures 0.71 mm in length and 0.14 mm in width.

Damage symptoms

• Feeds on tender above ground parts, creating feeding scars, distortion of leaves and discoloration of buds
• The infested leaves curl upward, crumble and shed
• Infested buds become brittle and drop down.
• The sucking marks are made one after one, forming thin pale lines on the underside of leaves parallel to the main vein

Host-range and favourable conditions

S. dorsalis is found in almost all chilly growing areas. It is a polyphagus pest. Besides chilli, it also infests brinjal, cotton, groundnut, castor, bottlegourd, guava, tea and grapevine. It is more common on un-irrigated chilli crop than irrigated one.

Natural enemies of thrips

• Predators:Anthocoris and Orius spp., predatory thrips (Aeolothrips intermedius, Mymarothrips garuda), Chrysoperla carnea, Mallada sp, praying mantids, ladybird beetles, syrphid flies, spiders etc.
• Pathogens: Steinernema sp., Verticillium lecanii, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Paecilomyces fumerosus

Leaf eating caterpillar

Biology

• Egg: Female lays about 300 eggs in clusters. The eggs are covered over by brown hairs and they hatch in about 3-5 days.
• Larva: Caterpillar measures 35-40 mm in length, when full grown. It is velvety, black with yellowish – green dorsal stripes and lateral white bands with incomplete ring – like dark band on anterior and posterior end of the body. It passes through 6 instars. Larval stage lasts 15-30 days.
• Pupa: Pupation takes place inside the soil, pupal stage lasts 7-15 days.
• Adult: Moth is medium sized and stout bodied with forewings pale grey to dark brown in colour having wavy white crisscross markings. Hind wings are whitish with brown patches along the margin of wing. Pest breeds throughout the year. Moths are active at night. Adults live for 7-10 days. Total life cycle takes 32-60 days. There are eight generations in a year.

Life cycle

Damage symptoms

• In early stages, the caterpillars are gregarious and scrape thechlorophyll content of leaf lamina giving it a papery white appearance. Later they become voracious feeders making irregular holes on the leaves.
• Irregular holes on leaves initially and later skeletonisation leaving only veins and petioles
• Heavy defoliation.

Natural enemies

• Parasitoids:Trichogramma chilonis, Tetrastichus spp., Telenomus spp., Ichneumon promissorius, Carcelia spp, Campoletis chlorideae, Lissopimpla excels, Ichneumon promissorius etc.
• Predators: Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi, coccinellids, King crow,braconid wasps, dragonfly, spider, robber fly, reduviid bug, praying mantis, and red ants etc.

Jassid

Biology

• Egg: Adult females lay eggs along the midrib and lateral veins of the leaves. The egg period is 4 to 11 days.
• Nymph: The nymphs resemble the adults, but lack wings. Instead, they have slightly extended wing pads. They are pale green in color. They tend to move sideways when disturbed. The nymphal period varies from 1-4 weeks depending on the temperature.
• Adult: The adults are wedge-shaped, pale green insects. They have fully developed wings with a prominent black spot on each forewing. The adults may live for one to two months.

Damage symptoms:

• Both nymphs and adults suck the sap from the lower leaf surfaces through their piercing and sucking mouthparts. While sucking the plant sap, they also inject toxic saliva into the plant tissues, which leads to yellowing. When several insects suck the sap from the same leaf, yellow spots appear on the leaves, followed by crinkling, curling, bronzing, and drying, or “hopper burn”. Leafhoppers also cause damage in okra, cotton, and potato seriously.

Natural enemies of jassid

• Parasitoids: Anagrus flaveolus, Stethynium triclavatum
• Predators: Ladybird beetle, ants Distina albino, Chrysoperla spp., mired bug (Dicyphus hesperus), big-eyed bug, (Geocoris sp) Praying mantids.

Aphids

Biology

• Egg: are very tiny, shiny-black, and are found in the crevices of bud, stems, and barks of the plant. Aphids usually do not lay eggs in warm parts of the world.
• Nymph: (immature stages) are young aphids; they look like the wingless adults but are smaller. They become adults within 7 to 10 days.
• Adult: are small, black to dark brownish colour, 1 to 4 mm long, soft-bodied insects with two long antennae that resemble horns. Most aphids have two short cornicles (horns) towards the rear of the body.

Life cycle

Damage symptoms

• Nymphs and adults suck cell sap from the plant foliage.
• In addition, plants may become contaminated by honeydew produced by aphids and sooty mould growing on honeydew.
• Aphids are also vectors of diseases, including the bean common mosaic virus.

Natural enemies of aphid:

• Parasitoids: Aphidius colemani, Aphelinus sp and Diaeretiella sp.
• Predators: Fire ant, Robber fly, Big-eyed bug (Geocoris sp), Earwig, Ground beetle, Cecidomyiid fly, Lacewing, Ladybird beetle, Spider, Praying Mantis, Reduviid, Dragon fly, hoverfly.

Bunch caterpillar

Biology

• Egg: The eggs are yellowish and are arranged in linear order by the female moth. A single female laid about 500 eggs.
• Larva: Within 7 to 11 days (in summer) caterpillars hatches out from the eggs. After emergence the caterpillars, first of all, feeds upon their egg shell, then they lacerate the leaf surface tissues and finally consume the whole leaf blade. The caterpillars remain clustered in characteristic bunches and hence are called “bunch caterpillars”. The gregarious nature of caterpillars continues throughout the larval life. During 3 to 4 weeks of larval life the larvae undergoes five instars. The fully grown and well fed matured larva measures about 65 mm in length. The larva is tawny-yellow with reddish tinge and broad blackish-brown transverse strips.
• Pupa: For pupation the larvae descend down from the host plant and pupate on the ground among dried leaves. The pupal period varies in different season. In summer it is 16 to 29 days, in rainy season it is about 46 days and in winter it is 68-120 days. The pupa is reddish-brown in colour and about 25 mm in size. There are four overlapping generations in a year in northeastern region of India.
• Adult: The adult moth is brown in colour. The wing span of male moth ranges from 33 to 45 mm, whereas in female it is 45-58 mm. Dark wavy lines are present on the wings. Fore wings have two white spots near the outer margin. The hind wings are brown posteriorly and pale in anterior region. The antennae are bipectinate but as compared to females the males have more developed and highly bipectinate antennae.

Life cycle

Damage symptoms

• The damage is caused to the host plant by the caterpillars. The caterpillars eat the foliage of the host plant. Initially, they feed upon the surface tissues only but later on the whole blade is consumed.
• The caterpillars move in groups and before going down for pupation a bunch of caterpillars may destroy several bushes of tea plantation.

Natural enemies of bunch caterpillar

Larval Parasitoids: Tachinid fly, Cylindromyia sp., Cotesia ruficrus

Red spider mite

Biology

• Egg: Eggs reddish, spherical, provided with a small filament. Incubation period is 4-6 days, before hatching becomes light orange colour.
• Nymph: Upon hatching, it will pass through a larval stage and two nymphal stages before becoming adult. Developmental stages include six legged larva, protonymph and deutonymph.
• Adult: Adult female elliptical in shape, bright crimson anteriorly and dark pruplish brown posteriorlym. Mites spin a web of silken threads on the leaf. Each developmental stage is followed by a quiescent stage and life cycle completed in 10-14 days.

Damage symptoms

• Spider mites usually extract the cell contents from the leaves using their long, needlelike mouthparts. this results in reduced chlorophyll content in the leaves, leading to the formation of white or yellow speckles on the leaves.
• In severe infestations, leaves will completely desiccate and drop off. The mites also produce webbing on the leaf surfaces in severe conditions. Under high population densities, the mites move to using strands of silk to form a ball-like mass, which will be blown by winds to new leaves or plants, in a process known as “ballooning.”

Natural enemies of red spider mite

Predators: Predatory mite, Predatory thrips, Oligota spp., Orius sp (pirate bug), Hover flies, Mirid bug.

Purple mite

Biology

• Egg: Eggs hatches in 2-3 days.
• Nymph: There are two nymphal stages and they are white in colour, young ones moult three times.
• Adult: Adults are very small, spindle shaped, purple colour; fringed body with five longitudinal white waxy ridges on dorsal side, total developmental period was 6-11 days

Damage symptoms

• Damaged leaves characterized by the coppery brown discoloration; presence of numerous white cast skins of the mites along with the live mites; purple mites are prevalent on the under surface of mature leaves

Pink mite

Biology

• Egg: Eggs are shiny, globular in shape and lay singly on the under surface of the leaves. Eggs are hatch in 2-3 days
• Nymph: There are two nymphal stages and they are white in colour. Population builds up initiates in November/December and attains peak in February/March and declined during May/June. Life cycle completed in 6-9 days.
• Adults: Adults are very small, spindle shaped, pink colour; fringed body with five longitudinal white waxy ridges on dorsal side, young ones moult three times; incubation period ranges 3-5 days with two nymphal stages while total developmental period was 6-11 days.

Damage symptoms

• Important mite pest of tea in southern India causes considerable damage. During early stages of attack leaves turn pale and curl upwards while severe infestation leads to brownish discolouration. Pink mites attack tender crop shoots where “Aassam” hybrids are more susceptible Predators same as red spider mite

Yellow mite

Biology

• Egg: Eggs are oval shaped and white in colour. Eggs are glued firmly on the leaf surface. Eggs large, obovate, flattened at the bottom; eggs hatches after 27-32 hours
• Nymph: Nymphs white in colour.
• Adult: Adults large, oval and broad and yellowish in colour. Females are yellowish and bigger than the males and they carrying the “female nymphs” on their back.

Life cycle

Damage symptoms

• Mite is seen on young leaves especially the top two to three leaves and the bud.
• Affected leaves become rough and brittle and corky lines.
• Downward curling.
• Internodes get shortened.

Scarlet mite

Biology

• Egg: Eggs are bright red, elliptical, laid in clusters; incubation period is 7-10 days.
• Nymph: Developmental stages include three legged larva, protonymph and deutonymph and each developmental stage is followed by a quiescent stage.
• Adult: Adult mite is scarlet red in colour and obovate in shape; reproduction is by parthenogenesis. Life cycle completed in 30-36 days.

Life cycle

Symptoms of damage

• Symptoms of attack first appear on either side of the midrib and gradually spread to the entire leaf; feeding leads to brown discolouration of leaves and severe infestation leads to defoliation.

Root knot nematode

Biology

• Most species of plant parasitic nematodes have a relatively simple life cycle consisting of the egg, four larval stages and the adult male and female.
• Development of the first stage larvae occurs within the egg where the first molt occurs. Second stage larvae hatch from eggs to find and infect plant roots or in some cases foliar tissues.
• Under suitable environmental conditions, the eggs hatch and new larvae emerge to complete the life cycle within 4 to 8 weeks depending on temperature.
• Nematode development is generally most rapid within an optimal soil temperature range of 70 to 80°F.

Life cycle

Damage symptoms

• Infected plants in patches in the field
• Formation of galls on host root system is the primary symptom
• Roots branch profusely starting from the gall tissue causing a ‘beard root’ symptom
• Infected roots become knobby and knotty
• In severely infected plants the root system is reduced and the rootlets are almost completely absent. The roots are seriously hampered in their function of uptake and transport of water and nutrients
• Plants wilt during the hot part of day, especially under dry conditions and are often stunted
• Nematode infection predisposes plants to fungal and bacterial root pathogens

Survival and spread

• Primary: Egg masses in infected plant debris and soil or collateral and other hosts like Solonaceous, Malvaceous and Leguminaceous plants act as sources of inoculums.
• Secondary: Autonomous second stage juveniles that may also be water dispersed.

Favourable conditions

Loamy light soils.

IPM for Tea

To know the IPM practices for Tea, click here.

Source:NIPHM; Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage

3.06   

 

126 ratings and

Tea Crop Stage Wise IPM

1. Pre-planting
2. Nursery and seedling
3. Planting
4. Vegetative
5. Maturity/Flowering

Management	Activity
Pre-planting
	Common cultural practices: Deep ploughing of fields during summer to control nematodes population. Soil solarization Field sanitation, rogueing. Destroy the alternate host plants Apply manures and fertilizers as per soil test recommendations. Growing castor, pea or marigold as a trap crop for the management of Leaf miner and Spodoptera. Plant tall border crops like maize, sorghum or millet to reduce pest population Adopt ecological engineering by growing the attractant, repellent, and trap crops around the field bunds
Nutrients	Apply nutrients on the basis of soil test report and recommendation for the agro-climatic zone. Soils having pH around 5.0 are suitable for tea plantation. For new plantation pits of 30 x 45 x 60 cm size are dug. For application in nursery, a nutrient mixture should be prepared with following composition; Composition of the nutrient mixture: Ammonium phosphate (20:20) 35 g, Muriate of Potash,12 g, Magnesium sulphate 15 g, Zinc sulphate 3 g. This nutrient mixture is applied in nursery @ 30 g dissolved in 10 litres of water over an area of 4 sq.m. This should be done fortnightly.
Weeds	Cultural control: Deep plouging during summer Stale seed bed technique Keep boundaries of tea field weed free to prevent dispersal of weed seed into the tea field. Field should be well prepared by tillage operations and after tillage; the underground reproductive propagules of weeds must be collected and destroyed. Digging out of tubers and rhizomes of weeds is discouraged to prevent re-infestation from fragmented underground propagules.
Insect pests and soil borne diseases	Cultural control: Field Sanitation: Weeds like Mikania cordata, Bidens biternata, Emillia sp., Polygonum Chinese and Lantana camara offer excellent hiding places and serve as alternate host for the tea masquito bug. Growth of weeds and wild host plants near in and around tea field may be controlled and this will help to reduce the growth of tea mosquito population. For other adopt common practices.
Termites	Cultural control: Bushes should be properly cleaned out at the time of pruning by removing the snags, dead and diseased branches. Any earthen materials like earth runs over the trunk and stems, earth depositions on the collar of the bushes should be wiped out/removed at the time of pruning Pruning cuts should be painted with indopaste or copper fungicide or Trichoderma bio-cide. Remains of old shade tree stumps inside the sections should also be cleaned and treated/removed permanently. Improve drainage condition in the termite prone fields. Improve shade status of the tea fields. Destroy termite mounds and queens. Remove earth runs and fork the soil around collar region of the infested tea bushes/ shade trees before application of pesticides. Weeds like grasses etc. within radius of 30cm from the collar region of the bushes should be cleaned. In tea sections where live wood eating termite is noticed, the mulching materials should also be sprayed with recommended chemicals. Keep the soil is in moist condition for effective spraying and control. Slight irrigation before and after spraying improves condition of the (hard and dry) soil for absorption of pesticide.
Nematodes	Cultural control: Soil from the nursery site should be tested for eelworm population and acidity status. If the population of eelworm is found to be 6 or above per10g of soil tested, it is considered to be unsuitable for use. Preparation of the nursery bed should be done by harrowing and ploughing to expose and dry the un-decomposed weeds and roots of the plants. All sorts of mulching materials should be kept away from the seed nursery to avoid nematode infestation. Plant parasitic nematodes can be killed by uniform heating (after sieving) of the soil up to 60° – 70°C for 4-5 minutes on plain tin sheets. The soil can be used after heat treatment. Removal of weed hosts from nursery beds will help in minimizing the population build-up. Soil sampling in the estates is should be systematic following appropriate procedure to avoid errors in the assessment of eelworm. Chemical control: Carbofuran 3% CG@ 33.10 g/plant
Nursery and seedling
Weeds	Use the certified and weed free seeds or healthy cuttings. Keep the nursery weed free by hand pulling of the weeds
Planting
Nutrients	Pits are filled with top soil and organic manure mixed with Trichoderma
Weeds	Closer spacing of tea plants, inter-planting, and use of quick growing planting materials will help uniform ground coverage and thereby reduce weed growth. Plant cover crop/green manure between rows to avoid ground exposure. Use weed free compost and straw mulches. Mulching with biodegradable materials after planting or preemergent herbicides like Oxyflourfen 23.5% EC @ 260 -400 l in 200-300 l of water/acre within 2-3 days after planting may be used if weed flora (Digiteria, Imperata, Paspalum) of the field is known based on previous year.
Nematode and soil borne diseases	Cultural control: Select healthy and disease free seeds. Use resistant tolerant varieties. Miling with straw/pine needles/eucalyptus leaves.
Mites	Cultural control: Grow nurseries away from infested crops and avoid planting next to infested fields Grow healthy crops; avoid water and nutrient stress Apply mulch and incorporate organic matter into the soil to improve the water holding capacity and reduce evaporation Keep perennial hedges such as pigeon peas, they are said to encourage predatory mites
Vegetative
	Common cultural practices: Collect and destroy diseased and insect infected plant parts. Provide irrigation at critical stages of the crop Avoid water stress and water stagnation conditions. Enhance parasitic activity by avoiding chemical spray, when 1-2 larval parasitoids are observed Common mechanical practices: Collection and destruction of eggs and early stage larvae Handpick the older larvae during early stages The infested shoots may be collected and destroyed Handpick the gregarious caterpillars and the cocoons which are found on stem and destroy them in kerosene mixed water. Use yellow sticky traps for aphids and leaf minor and blue sticky trap for thrips @ 4-5 trap/acre. Use light trap @ 1/acre and operate between 6 pm and 10 pm Install pheromone traps @ 4-5/acre for monitoring adult moths activity (replace the lures with fresh lures after every 2-3 weeks) Erecting of bird perches @ 20/acre for encouraging predatory birds such as King crow, common mynah etc. Set up bonfire during evening hours at 7-8 pm Common biological practices: Conserve natural enemies through ecological engineering Augmentative release of natural enemies.
Nutrients	Manuring of young tea commences two months after planting. The ratio and source of nutrients vary according to soil reaction (pH). Rates of fertilizer are kept slightly higher in soils with pH above 5. Apply phosphorus at 36 Kg/acre every year in one application. Application of fertilizers should be done before the onset of monsoon. Fertilizers should be broadcast around the drip circle avoiding contact with the collar.   Year of application Total weight Kg/acre /annum No. of applications N K I year 72 110 5 II year 112 150 6 III year 120 180 6 IV year onwards 120 120 6
Weeds	Remove the major weeds and creepers like Mikania micrantha by hand weeding or slashing. Use “Cheel hoe” with a half-moon shaped blade in freshly planted areas for scraping the above ground parts of the weeds and leveling the local depressions in the ground. Cut the top growth of weeds in young tea areas with sickles. But perennial grasses like Imperata, Saccharum etc. should be removed. Since mulching cannot be done near to the collar of the plant, removal of sporadic weed growth is necessary. Weeds removed from the field should be taken outside the cropped area and heaped. Regrowth of rhizomatous and tuberous weeds inside the heap should be removed periodically. Before using in compost-pits, proper decomposition of all vegetative propagules must be ensured. While practicing strip weeding in slopes the uncontrolled strip should be subjected to manual slashing In mature tea areas, where pruning is due in the later months, one time winter application of any one of the below listed herbicide may be adopted as per weed infestation in the field as post emergence application, when weeds are young and at active vegetative growth stage. Rotation of available herbicides will take care of plant succession and herbicidal resistance. Chemical control: Glufosinate ammonium 13.5% SL (15% w/v) @ 1.0-1.32 l in 150- 200 l of water/acre for the management of Panicum repens, Borreria hispida, Imperata cylindrical, Digitaria sanguinalis,Commelina benghalensis, Ageratum conyzoides, Eleusine indica, Paspalum conjugatum weeds. Glyphosate 41% SL IPA Salt @ 0.8- 1.2 l in 180 l of water/acre for the management of Axonopus compressus, Cynodon dactylon, Imperata cylindrical, Polygonum perfoliatum, Paspalum scrobiculatum, Arundinella, bengalensis, Kalm grass. Glyphosate ammonium Salt 5% SL @ 12 l in 200 l of water/acre for the management of Cynodon dactylon, Digitaria sanguinalis, Paspalum conjugatum, Ageratum conyzoides, Biden pilosa , Cyperus rotundus, Boreria latifolia, Euphorbia spp., Imperata cylendrica. Glyphosate 71% SG (Ammonium Salt) @ 1.2 Kg in 200 l of water/acre for the management of Acalypha indica, Sida aculata, Ipomea digitarea, Cychorium intybus, Digera arvensis, Digitaria sanguinalis , Paspalum conjugatum, Ageratum conyzoides, Cynondon dactylon, Cyperus rotunedus Paraquat dichloride 24% SL @ 0.32-1.7 l in 80-160 l of water/acre for the management of Imperata, Commelina benghalensis, Boerraria hispida, Paspalum conjugatum.
Aphids	Cultural control: Reflective mulches such as silver colored plastic can deter aphids from feeding on plants. Sturdy plants can be sprayed with a strong jet of water to knock aphids from leaves. Biological control: Insecticidal soaps or oils such as neem or canola oil are usually the best method of control; always check the labels of the products for specific usage guidelines prior to use. Chemical control: Phosalone 35% EC @ 411.2 ml in 200-400 l of water/acre.
Flush Worm, Tea tortrix, Shot hole borer	See common control practices.
Cutworm	See common control practices.
Leaf roller	See common control practices. Chemical control: Deltamethrin 2.8% EC @ 160 ml in 160-240 l of water/acre
Red, brown and black rot disease	Cultural control: Uproot the infected bushes and burnt it. Insulation of diseases patches by making trenches of 120 cm (4 feet) deep and 45 cm (1.5 feet) width surrounding the diseased plants help in the preventing the spread of primary root disease. Chemical control: Copper oxy chloride 50% WP @ 0.24 Kg in 50 l of water/acre
Blister blight	Cultural control: Use spore trap/regular field assessment. Maintain the plucking interval. Pruning during November/December is effective to reduce the disease incidence for new clearing. Avoid broad leaved Assam jats. Prohibit the entry of workers of the infested section into the healthy sections. Biological control: Spray 2-3 rounds of 5-10% aqueous extracts of Cassia alata/Polygonum hamiltoni/ Acorus calamus/ Adhatoda vasica/ Equisetum arvense/ Polygonum hydropiper/ Tagetis petula at 15 days interval. Chemical control: Bitertanol 25% WP @ 80 g in 30 l of water/acre or Copper oxy chloride 50% WP@ 0.168 g in 70 l of water/acre or Copper Hydroxide 77% WP @ 140 g in 300 l of water/acre or Hexaconazole 5% EC @ 10 g in 200 ml, 70-90 with power sprayers 175-200 with knap sack sprayer or Propiconazole 25% EC @ 50-100 g in 70-100 l of watwer/acre or Streptomycin Sulphate 9% + Tetracylin Hydrocloride 1% SP @ It is fungal disease and can be controlled by spraying 40 gms with 350 to 420 gms copper oxychloride (50% Wettable power) in 67 liters of water per hectarewith air blast sprayer, covering two rows on either side.
Red rust	Cultural control: If vigour of plant is maintained by balanced nutrients, the disease is less. As the disease starts on the onset of rain, it is desired to spray fungicide twice during the month of July/ August at 15 days intervals. Avoid plant stress. Avoid poorly drained sites. Promote good air circulation in the plant canopy to reduce humidity and duration of leaf wetness. Identify and correct predisposing factors such as- poor drainage, low soil fertility, particularly potash, improper soil acidity, inadequate shade and continuous use of green crops like Tephrosia candida, T. vogelli etc. in addition to pruning of severely affected sections Biological control: Spray 4-6 rounds of 5% aqueous extracts of Argimone maxicana/ Polygonum hemiltonii at 15 days interval. Chemical control: Copper oxy chloride 50% WP @ 0.24 Kg in 50 l of water/acre
Black rot	Cultural control: Prune or skiff the severely affected sections. Improve aeration by lopping side branches and ‘matidals’. Thin out dense shade and improve drainage. Give alkaline wash after pruning. Shorter pruning cycle helps in minimizing infestation.
Charcoal stump rot, Collar and branch canker, Grey blight, Die back	Cultural control: Remove the affected portion during rejuvenation. Avoid intensive harvesting using flat shears. Maintain a proper balance of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers. Avoidance of predisposing factors Avoid mulching and fertilizer application close to the stem collar and planting in gravelly soil. Avoid plant stress. Grow tea bushes with adequate spacing to permit air to circulate and reduce humidity and the duration of leaf wetness. Prohibit the entry of workers of the infested section into the healthy sections. Biological control: Spray 2-4 rounds of 5% aqueous extracts of Amphineuron opulentum/ Cassia alata/ Polygonum sinensis at 15 days interval.
Maturity/Flowering
Nutrients	As per table above. The rate of fertilizer application for mature tea varies with yield and soil test values while the N: K2O ratio varies with the stage of pruning. Apply the recommended quantity of mixtures along the drip circle of plants. In the semi-circular furrow taken above the plant on the slope. Apply the fertilizers when there is adequate soil moisture and when the fields are free from weeds. Punch holes of 15-22 cm depth in the soil on either side of the plants and place the rock phosphate.
Weeds	Remove the weeds before shedding of their seeds to reduce the weed infestation in the subsequent season. Hand weeding around collar region of young tea bushes is always safe and it should be done. Care should be taken so that the weeds do not flower and seeds infest the new areas, drains and estate boundaries.
Tea mosquito bug	Cultural control: When an attack by Helopeltis becomes unmanageable the affected bushes may be skiffed to reduced the damage. Medium prune (60-70 cm) is best suited for shot-hole borer infested fields (except when other factors demand a different height of pruning). Longer pruning cycles will tend to increase the intensity of borer damage, especially in mid and low elevation areas. The tea mosquito bug lay large number of eggs on the broken ends of plucked shoots. Intensive manual removal of stalks during plucking will help to reduce the incidence of the tea mosquito bug. Removal of the alternate host of H. theivora such as Guava (Psidium guajava), Oak (Quercus spp.), Melastoma (Melastoma sp.), Thoroughwort (Eupatorium sp.), Fragrant thoroughwort (Eupatorium odoratum), Dayflower (Commelina spp.), Sesbania (Sesbania cannibina), Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophylla), Bortengeshi (Oxalis acetocello), Ornamental jasmine (Gardenia jesminoid), Mulberry (Morus alba), Kadam (Enthocephalus cadamba), Jamun (Eugenia jambolana), Boal (Ehretia acuminata), Mikania (Mikania micrantha), Acacia moniliformis, Duranta repens, Piper hemiltonii, Phlogacanthus thirsyfiorus, Ficus benjamina, Sida cordifolia, Cannabium sativam, Ixora sp, Persea bomycina, Pteridium aquilium, Murraya koenigii and Premna latifolia from in and around plantations would give a good control. Wild plants (noneconomic) nearby the fields having feeding spots of H. theivora have to be eradicated, as far as possible. The ecotone (border) between forest line and tea plantation need to be kept clear of weed and noneconomic plants. H. theivora prefers moist conditions and mild temperatures. For that reason, populations of this pest are often higher under heavy shade. Regulate the shade in densely shaded area areas lopping of the lower branches of shade trees. Moderate shade of 60% is preferable. Biological control: See common practices. Applying native plant crude aquaus extracts viz. Clerodendrum viscosum (Dhopat tita/ Ghato), Polygonum hydropiper (Pothorua bihlonganii), Cassia alata (Khor pat), Xanthium strumarium, Vitex negundo and Amphineuron Sp (Bitter fern) @ 5% concentration may also be done in case of low and moderate infestation of the pest. Entomopathogen, Beauveria bassiana @ 1.2 Kg/acre minimized infestation of H. theivora in field condition. Chemical control: Clothianidin 50% WDG @ 48 g in 200 l of water/acre or Profenofos 50% EC @ 320-400 ml in 160 l of water/acre or Thiacloprid 21.7% SC@ 150 ml in 160 l of water/acre or Thiamethoxam 25% WG @ 40 g in 160-200 ml of water/acre
Thrips	Cultural control: The recommendation on shade management, if adopted, will help to prevent the excessive built up of thrips and mites For other see common practices. Caustic washing of the trunk of the bushes after cleaning the mosses and lichens and stirring of soil around the collar region will kill the pupae. Biological control: See common practices. Chemical control: Azadirachtin 1% MIN. E.C. Neem Based.@ 1600-2000 ml in 180 l of water/acre or Azadirachtin 5% W/W MIN. Neem Extract Concentrate Containing M/s EID Perry @ 80 g in 160 l of water/acre or Deltamethrin 2.8% EC@ 48- 60 ml in 160 -240 l of water/acre or Ethion 50% EC @ 200 ml in 200-400 l of water or Profenofos 50% EC@ 320-400 ml in 160 l of water/acre or Quinalphos 25% EC @ 304 ml in 200-400 l of water/acre
Looper caterpillar	See common cultural and biological practices of vegetative stage. Chemical control: Azadirachtin 5% W/W MIN. Neem Extract Concentrate Containing@ 80 g in 160 l of water/acre or Deltamethrin 2.8% EC@ 48- 60 ml in 160 -240 l of water/acre or Profenofos 50% EC @ 320-400 ml in 160 l of water/acre or Deltamethrin 2.8% EC@ 40-60 ml in 160-240 l of water/acre or Quinalphos 20% AF @ 400 g in 160 l of water/acre
Bunch caterpillar	Chemical control: Azadirachtin 5% W/W MIN. Neem Extract Concentrate Containing@ 80 g in 160 l of water/acre or Deltamethrin 2.8% EC@ 48- 60 ml in 160 -240 l of water/acre
Mites (red, pink, yellow scarlet, and purple)	Cultural control: The recommendation on shade management, if adopted, will help to prevent the excessive built up of mites. Apply mulch and incorporate organic matter into the soil to improve the water holding capacity and reduce evaporation Uproot and burn infested plants. This can be successful during the early stages of infestation when the mites concentrate on a few plants Keep the field free of weeds Remove and burn infested crop residues immediately after harvest The bushes along the motorable roads, which remain covered with dust are very often found to be severely attacked by red spider mite. Protect the roadside bushes from dust by growing hedge plants like Phlogacenthus thrysiflorus (titaphool) or applying water on such dusty roads at regular intervals is a good practice for management of red spider mite. To prevent migration of red spider mites by restricting the pluckers from entering into un-infested areas from infested areas and cattle trespass inside the tea sections should be stopped. Removal of alternate hosts (Borreria hispida, Scoparia dulcis, Melochia corchorifolia and Fussiala suffruticosa) in and around plantations would give a good control The bushes in ill drained or waterlogged areas are subject to increased red spider damage, than those in well drained areas. Therefore, inadequate drainage is not only harmful to the tea plants but also creates conditions conducive to the buildup of O. coffeae. Red spider mite incidence is high on the bushes receiving heavier doses of nitrogen but potash and phosphorus application decreased the amount of red spider in tea. Therefore, appropriate fertilization practice is necessary. Red spider mite affected fields should get a new tier of maintenance foliage since the infested bushes are very week due to defoliation of maintenance leaves. Measures should be taken (Two rounds of spray at 15 days interval) during December and January in Young and Un-prune Tea; Skiffed tea – February; Pruned tea – Early March. After severe attacks of mite two rounds of applications must be followed at an interval of 7 – 10 days (April – October- 7 days and Nov – March-10 days). Coverage of both surfaces and foliage is necessary. During full cropping seasons control measures should be undertaken as spot treatment only. For pruned tea monitoring is necessary soon after tipping. Avoid spraying during middle hours of the day in sunny weather. Thorough drenching of top, middle and bottom hamper of bushes with spray fluid is necessary to kill the residual population. The crude water extracts of native plants viz. Clerodendrum viscosum, Melia azadirach, Vitex negundo, Gliricidia maculata, Wedelia chinensis, Morinda tinctoria, Pongamia glabra, neem kernel, pongam kernel, garlic, Swietenia mahagoni seeds, Pongamia pinnata seeds, Sophora flavescens, Acorus calamus rhizomes, Xanthium strumarium, Clerodendron infortunatum, Aegle marmelos, Clerodendron inerme, Phlogocanthus tubiflorus, Achanthus aspera, Artemisia nilagirica, Phyllanthus amarus and Lantana camara showed great promise in controlling red spider mite population at field level. Biological control: See common biological practices. Chemical control For Red Spider mites Azadirachtin 1% MIN. E.C. Neem Based.@ 1600-2000 ml in 180 l of water/acre. or Azadirachtin 5% W/W MIN. Neem Extract Concentrate Containing@ 80 g in 160 l of water/acre or Bifenthrin 8%SC @ 200 ml in 160 l of water/acre or Dicofol 18.5% EC @ 500 ml in 100 l of water/acre or Ethion 50% EC @ 200 in 200-400 l of water/acre or Fenazaquin 10% EC @ 400 ml in 160-320 l of water/acre or Fenpropathrin 30% EC @ 66-80 ml in 160-200 l of water/acre orFenpyroximate 5% EC @ 120-240 ml in 160-200 l of water/acre or Flumite 20% SC / Flufenzine 20%SC @ 200-240 ml in 200-400 l of water/acre or Hexythiazox 5.45% W/W EC @ 120-200 ml in 160 l of water/acre or Profenofos 50% EC @ 320-400 ml in 160 l of water/acre or Propargite 57% EC @ 300-500 ml in 160 l of water/acre or Spiromesifen 22.9% SC @ 160 ml in 160 l of water/acre or Sulphur 52% SC @ 800 ml in 160 l of water/acre or Sulphur 80% WP@ 400 g in 80 l of water/acre For Pink mite: Azadirachtin 5% W/W MIN. Neem Extract Concentrate Containing@ 80 g in 160 l of water/acre or Dicofol 18.5% EC @ 500 ml in 100 l of water/acre or Fenazaquin 10% EC @ 400 ml in 160-320 l of water/acre or Fenpropathrin 30% EC @ 66-80 ml in 160-200 l of water/acre or Fenpyroximate 5% EC @ 120-240 ml in 160-200 l of water/acre or Flumite 20% SC / Flufenzine 20%SC @ 160-200 ml in 200-400 l of water/acre or Phosalone 35% EC@ 411.2 ml in 200-400 l of water/acre or Profenofos 50% EC @ 320- 400 ml in 160 l of water/acre or Propargite 57% EC @ 300-500 ml in 160 l of water/acre or Sulphur 40% WP @ 1000-2000 g in 300- 400 l of water/acre or Sulphur 80% WP@ 400 g in 80 l of water/acre For Scarlet mite: Dicofol 18.5% EC @ 500 ml in 100 l of water/acre or Hexythiazox 5.45% W/W EC @ 120-200 ml in 160 l of water/acre or Propargite 57% EC @ 300-500 ml in 160 l of water/acre or Fenpropathrin 30% EC @ 66-80 ml in 160-200 l of water/acre For Purple mite: Dicofol 18.5% EC @ 500 ml in 100 l of water/acre or Ethion 50% EC @ 200 in 200-400 l of water/acre or Fenazaquin 10% EC @ 400 ml in 160-320 l of water/acre or Fenpropathrin 30% EC @ 66- 80 ml in 160-200 l of water/acre or Fenpyroximate 5% EC @ 120- 240 ml in 160-200 l of water/acre or Flumite 20% SC / FLUFENZINE 20%SC @ 160-200 ml in 200-400 l of water/acre or Phosalone 35% EC@ 411.2 ml in 200-400 l of water/acre or Propargite 57% EC @ 300-500 ml in 160 l of water/acre or Sulphur 40% WP @ 1000-2000 g in 300-400 l of water/acre or Sulphur 80% WP@ 400 g in 80 l of water/acre For Yellow mite: Dicofol 18.5% EC @ 500 ml in 100 l of water/acre or Ethion 50% EC @ 200 in 200-400 l of water/acre or Fenpropathrin 30% EC @ 66-80 ml in 160-200 l of water/acre
Jassids	Cultural control: Regular field assessment. For others see common practices. Caustic washing of the trunk of the bushes after cleaning the mosses and lichens and stirring of soil around the collar region will kill the pupae. Chemical control: Profenofos 50% EC @ 320-400 ml in 160 l of water/acre
Scale insects	Cultural control: Prune heavily infested plant parts to open the tree canopy and destroy’ them immediately. Prune infested parts (branches and twigs) preferably during summer. These should be placed in a pit constructed on one corner of the orchard. Allow branches and twigs to dry until the parasites escape. Burn the remaining debris. Removal of attendant ants may permit natural enemies to control the insect. Chemical control: ‘Ethion 50% EC @ 200 in 200-400 l of water/acre
Flushworm	Same as vegetative stage
Aphids	Same as vegetative stage.
Blight, Rust, Rots, Canker	Same as vegetative stage.

Source:NIPHM; Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantie Storage