Sunday Times E-Paper

CRI shows the natural way to fight the whitefly

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The Coconut Research Institute (CRI) has turned to organic solutions and traditional methods to eradicate the whitefly pest destroying coconut cultivations.

CRI Director Nayanai Arachchige told the Sunday Times that they use high tech sprayers to spray non chemical solutions to coconut tree.

She said chemical pest repellents that are usually used to drive off to eradicate the pest will not be utilised as the chemicals also destroy organisms that naturally eradicate the flies.

Ms Arachchige also said a solution of soap powder and Kohomaba is used to treat affected coconut trees. She added that the CRI also plans to identify and introduce predators which naturally feed on the pest.

CRI Chairman Malraj Peiris said both the Coconut Cultivation Board and CRI have arranged many awareness programmes regarding the eradication of the whitefly.

He said Govi Jana Seva officers have been asked to educate farmers about the whitefly pest.

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2022-12-04T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-12-04T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://sundaytimes.pressreader.com/article/281805697955866

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