Integrated Management of Ambrosia beetle in Arecanut

Arecanut (Areca catechu L.) is commonly known as betel nut palm and is an important commercial crop in most South Asian countries having economic, religious and medicinal importance. The yield potential of arecanut is greatly influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors such as cultural operations, nutrients, pest and diseases, soil type and weather parameters. Among them, the incidence of pest and diseases pose a serious threat and are major limiting factors on arecanut production. The important insect pests include white grub, inflorescence caterpillar, pentatomid, mites and spindle bug. However, occurrence of new insect pests in the plantation based ecosystem often correlated with climate change. Recently, a new beetle pest, commonly known as 'Ambrosia beetle' is becoming a serious threat on areca palms and is causing significant damage under favourable conditions.