1. Common Plantation Pests
| Pest | Symptoms / Damage | Control Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids (Aphidoidea) | Curling, yellowing leaves; sticky honeydew | Biological: Ladybugs, lacewingsCultural: Spray water to remove coloniesOrganic: Neem oil, insecticidal soap |
| Mealybugs (Pseudococcidae) | White cottony masses on stems/leaves | Manual removal, horticultural oil, neem spray |
| Thrips | Silvering of leaves, distorted growth | Sticky traps, neem oil, predatory mites |
| Caterpillars / Defoliators | Chewed leaves, skeletonized foliage | Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), handpicking, pruning affected branches |
| Stem Borers (Xylophagous insects) | Holes in stems, wilting shoots | Sanitation: remove infected branchesChemical: targeted systemic insecticides if severe |
| Snails & Slugs | Chewed young leaves and seedlings | Handpicking, barriers (copper tape), organic bait |
| Fungus Gnats (larvae) | Root damage in wet soil | Avoid waterlogging, use biocontrol nematodes or sterile media |
2. Common Plantation Diseases
| Disease | Symptoms | Control Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Damping-off (Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium) | Seedlings collapse, stem rot near soil | Prevention: sterile soil, good drainage, proper wateringBiological:Trichoderma spp.Chemical: fungicide drench if necessary |
| Leaf Spot (Alternaria, Cercospora) | Brown/black spots on leaves | Remove affected leaves, improve airflow, copper-based fungicides |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves, stunted growth | Ensure proper ventilation, sulfur or potassium bicarbonate sprays |
| Root Rot | Soft, dark roots; poor growth | Improve drainage, reduce overwatering, biocontrol agents (Trichoderma spp.) |
| Stem Canker / Collar Rot | Cracked, sunken lesions on stems | Prune infected parts, apply fungicidal paste, improve sanitation |
3. Integrated Pest & Disease Management (IPDM)
- Cultural Practices:
- Proper spacing for air circulation
- Mulching and weed management to reduce pest habitat
- Sanitation: remove dead leaves, debris, and infected plants
- Biological Control:
- Beneficial insects: ladybugs, lacewings, predatory mites
- Fungal biocontrol: Trichoderma spp. for soil-borne pathogens
- Mechanical Control:
- Handpicking pests, pruning infected branches, using traps
- Organic / Low-Toxicity Treatments:
- Neem oil, insecticidal soaps, Bt sprays for caterpillars
- Sulfur or potassium bicarbonate for fungal diseases
- Chemical Control (as last resort):
- Targeted fungicides or insecticides when outbreaks are severe
- Follow label instructions to minimize environmental impact
- Monitoring & Early Detection:
- Inspect plantations weekly, especially during wet/hot seasons
- Record pest/disease incidence to guide timely interventions
Key Takeaways
- Prevention is better than cure: Good nursery practices, proper spacing, and sanitation reduce most problems.
- Integrated management combining cultural, biological, and minimal chemical control is sustainable.
- Early detection and prompt intervention prevent spread and major damage.
- Healthy, well-nourished trees are more resilient to pests and diseases, which also supports higher resin yield.