author(s)
GS Chandrashekar, HP Maheswarappa, Manjunath Hubballi, Jilu VS, Sudarshan GK and Basavaraju TB

abstract
Presently, a large number of chemical pesticides are being tested against the coconut eriophyid mite Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae). Most of these chemicals are not eco-friendly, there is a chance of development of resistance and many are having a residual effect. Hence, there is an urgent need to search for safer and eco-friendly chemicals to control the mite. Considering the extensive damage caused by a mite, attempt was made to evaluate efficacy of an INM (Integrated Nutrient Management) practice along with root feeding of azadirachtin for the management of eriophyid mite. A field experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research and Extension Centre, All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Palms, Arsikere, Hassan district, and Karnataka state during 2014-16. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three treatments. The pre-treatment observations on mite damage were recorded before imposing the treatments. Post treatment observations were recorded at four month’s interval. Simultaneous observations were also made in the control plot. Two years pooled data (2014-15 and 2015-16) revealed that INM with root feeding of azadirachtin (50000 ppm or (5%) -7.5 ml + 7.5 ml water) thrice in a year during April, September and February was effective in reducing the mite population in coconut. After 12 months of imposing the treatments, the per cent nut damage gradually reduced to 55.62 to 62.47 per cent in the treatment plot as against 91.65 per cent in control. Similarly the ‘INM with root feeding treatment’ imposed gardens exhibited the least Mite Grade Index (1.47) and were followed by INM without root feeding gardens with a MGI of 2.26 and were significantly superior over the control plot (MGI = 3.88). This experiment clearly indicated that Azadirachtin has unique features and can act as an efficient miticide and is safe to natural enemies and other organisms.