Integrated Management of Banana Weevil, Odoiporus Longicollis (Oliv.): Integration of Farmers Knowledge, Regular Monitoring, Biorational Pesticides and Safe Chemicals for Weevil Management

Management of banana stem weevil Odoiporus longicollis (Oliver) were undertaken with integration of farmers knowledge, practices and attitudes to bio-rational and chemical pesticides where regular monitoring were practiced for decision making in weevil management. The use of poor sucker, old age crops, poor crop management practices and heavy use of chemical pesticides were the causal factors for the weevil infestation in banana orchard. The chemical pesticides were significantly different than the botanicals and indigenous materials for the reduction of weevil population. Maximum reduction of population over control was achieved by Annosom and cow urine among bio-rational pesticides, whereas the highest reduction over control was achieved by Aluminium Phosphide. Organic pest management did not cause immediate mortality as compared to inorganic ones, but these have no residual effect, no health hazards and are eco-friendly. Hence,for effective and sustainable management of stem weevil, it should be combined all possible means with utilizing the traditional farmers knowledges are important.