Hurry to help coconut farmers Drought – black-headed worm outbreak affects production

Prachuap Khiri Khan,, The Minister of Agriculture is concerned about coconut farmers. Order to speed up control of the coconut black-headed worm outbreak that has occurred since 2020, currently using both parasitic wasps. along with chemicals Ready to order the Royal Rainmaking Department and the Royal Irrigation Department helps relieve drought in important coconut growing areas. Captain Thammanat Phromphao, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, said: Order the Department of Agricultural Extension and the Department of Agriculture to expedite the transfer of knowledge on prevention and elimination of coconut black-headed worms, which are important enemies of coconuts. The campaign was carried out in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, which is a large source of coconut cultivation. Ready to provide Bracon parasitic hornets for control and eradication of black-headed worms to farmers in 8 districts in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Coconut black-headed worms have occurred since 2020 - present, with outbreaks of black-headed worms found in 28 provinces, with an area of ??16,039.99 rai. In addition, outbreaks of black-thorn insects were also found in 25 provinces, with an area of ??14,953.76 rai. The provinces with the highest outbreaks were the 5 provinces. namely Prachuap Khiri Khan, Surat Thani, Chonburi, Phetchaburi and Samut Songkhram provinces For Prachuap Khiri Khan Province It was found that the destruction of black-headed worms increased in early 2024 in the area of ??2 districts: Thap Sakae District and Bang Saphan District. The Department of Agriculture has published knowledge on combined prevention and control of coconut pests using both parasitic wasps and chemicals. The Department of Agricultural Extension therefore hastened to remove 4 types of natural enemies of black-headed worms, namely Bracon wasps. Trichogramma egg parasitic hornet black snakehead insect and ring-tailed insects released in farmers' coconut plantations. During November 2023 - March 2024 Results of Integrated Pest Management (IP M) include releasing 33 million natural enemies in areas with low-moderate infestation, totaling 18,944.50 rai (November 2023 - March 2024), along with using chemicals on 10,686 rai (October 2023). - March 2024) found that before proceeding The survey found an average of 28 live worms/tree and after 1 month of survey, the live worms were found to have decreased on average to 11.1 worms/tree. The overall outbreak situation is likely to decrease. For the next phase of black-headed worm management measures in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province include: Giving advice on using chemicals along with the release of parasitic hornets For prevention and elimination in areas where severe outbreaks are found. To get rid of black-headed worms and black-thorn insects. The past use of pesticides, both by injection into the trunk and by spraying onto coconut leaves, has found no residue in the water and coconut meat. Therefore it does not affect the export process. After using chemicals to kill coconut pests, there should be an i nterval of approximately 3 months, thus promoting coconut pest control by releasing natural enemies continuously. As well as following up and giving advice to farmers on prevention and extermination of coconut pests using integrated methods (IPM) to create awareness among farmers on continuous coconut pest management. Conduct an assessment of the coconut pest population. and survey and monitor the outbreak situation regularly every week Through the system of the Department of Agricultural Extension and support natural enemy breeders for production, expansion, and release to control coconut pest outbreaks. In addition, he ordered the Department of Agricultural Extension to expand operations to cover important coconut growing areas to control the outbreak of coconut pests effectively and sustainably. Captain Thammanat said Prachuap Khiri Khan Province is still experiencing drought conditions, which has ordered the Royal Rainmaking Department and Agricultural Aviation to speed up royal rainmaking to help durin g the dry season and the Royal Irrigation Department to survey and map water. From the subdistrict, district, and provincial levels to create an integrated plan to solve drought problems in all 8 districts of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Mr. Peeraphan Khothong, Director-General of the Department of Agricultural Promotion, said that Each type of natural enemy that the Department of Agricultural Extension supports for coconut farmers is Will destroy coconut enemies, especially black-headed worms. Therefore, it is very beneficial to release natural enemies. To help destroy coconut black-headed caterpillars and prevent them from causing damage to the produce. Prevent impacts on coconut farmers. which is the result of the operations of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province shows that The measures taken by the Department of Agricultural Extension have yielded concrete results. And it is likely that the outbreak will gradually subside. However, the Department of Agricultural Extension Accelerate the production and propagat ion of natural enemy breeders to support the Community Pest Management Center (CDC) to produce and propagate natural enemies ready for use. To control pests continuously and with maximum efficiency This will benefit farmers and the country's agricultural sector in a sustainable manner. Mr. Rapeephat Chandrasriwong, Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, said that The Department of Agriculture came to provide knowledge on the correct use of agricultural chemicals. The chemicals must be tested and confirmed to have no adverse effects on coconuts. To build confidence for consumers. Source: Thai News Agency