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Opportunity to Sustain Coconut Ecosystem Services through Recycling of the Palm Leaf Litter as Vermicompost: Indian Scenario (A Technology/ Research Note) Murali Gopal
International Coconut Community Journal Vol 26 No 2 (2010): CORD
Publisher : International Coconut Community

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (726.466 KB) | DOI: 10.37833/cord.v26i2.130

Abstract

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) is one of the important tropical oilseed crops grown in more than 80 countries. It is called the ‘Tree of Life’ because every part of the palm finds one or other use in everyday life. India is one of the leading coconut producing countries in the world and many millions of Indians are dependent on this crop for their livelihood. Many research experiments are in progress to increase the yield of this crop as well as develop post-harvest products that will improve the socio-economic status of the farmers who cultivate it. The coconut cropping system, being unique, offers a wide range of ecosystem services which has not been studied in much detail. A recent paper from Philippines, however, throws some light on the importance of ecosystem services offered by coconut types. In this article we attempt to enunciate the ecosystem services provided by coconut in Indian scenario and the possibility of sustaining it through the recycling of coconut leaf litter as vermicompost.
A FUNGAL PATHOGEN OF LACE BUG AND LEAF EATING CATERPILLAR, TWO INSECT PESTS OF COCONUT PALM Murali Gopal; Alka Gupta; B. Sathiamma; Chandrika Mohan; K.R. ChandraMohanan Nair; V.P. Soniya
International Coconut Community Journal Vol 16 No 01 (2000): CORD
Publisher : International Coconut Community

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37833/cord.v16i01.335

Abstract

Lace bug, Stephanitis typica (D) and the leaf eating caterpillar, Opisina arenosella W. are two common pests in the coconut ecosystem. Lace bug is the vector of root (wilt) disease of coconut as it harbours and transmits the pathogenic “phytoplasma”. Leaf eating caterpillar is an outbreak defoliator pest. During field collection of these insects, it was observed that in some samples there was green colour sporolation on the cadavers of these insects. From such specimens a fungus was isolated and purified. It was identified as Aspergillus and then confirmed as A. flavus Link. In the laboratory, this fungus was tested for pathogenecity on hosts by different methods of spore application. It was observed that 80% S. typica nymphs died within 3 days and 80-90% of the O. arenosella larvae were mycosed within 3-4 days. In this paper, we discuss the above aspects in detail.
Effect of Systemic Soil Insecticides and a Plant Product on Microbial Load of Soil in Root (wilt) Affected Coconut Monocropping Ecosystem Murali Gopal; Alka Gupta; P. Rajan; C.P. Radhakrishnan Nair
International Coconut Community Journal Vol 17 No 01 (2001): CORD
Publisher : International Coconut Community

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37833/cord.v17i01.345

Abstract

The changes undergoing in the microorganism population due to the application of phorate 10G, carbofuran 3G (@ 10 g a.i./ palm) and neem oil cake (@ 1.5 kg / palm) in the basin region of coconut growing in root (wilt) affected area was studied. Generally, a high microbial population was observed in the control plot. Carbofuran proved to be more toxic as compared to phorate as it suppressed the bacterial, actinomycetal, and free-living N2 -fixer’s number significantly. Against Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter (nitrifiers), the influence was inconsistent. Neem oil cake enhanced bacterial and free-living N2-fixer count; against actinomycetes and fungi there was an initial stimulatory, and then antagonistic impact, whereas, it proved detrimental to the nitrifiers. From the six soil samplings done, spread over a period of six months, the microbial load was recorded to be high whenever there was moderate rainfall and medium temperature. Application of neem oil cake produced positive effect on the beneficial microorganisms as compared to the systemic insecticides.