Integrated Management of Arthropod Pests of Malta and Dragon Fruit Crops in Madhupur Tract of Bangladesh

Tangail

Malta and dragon fruit growers of Madhupur tract are not well updated with the arthropod pests of their fruit crops. They solely rely on highly toxic pesticides to overcome the pest problems. Therefore, enhancing knowledge of the farmers is necessary to diagnose the major pests and their integrated management for profitable production of the fruits as well as ensuring safe and nutritious food for the consumers.

• Farmers training on cultivation of Malta and dragon fruits, and their arthropod pest management. • Survey and monitoring of arthropod species, consultation with scientists, extension workers and farmers. • Collection, identification and categorization of arthropod species. • Management of major arthropod pests applying different tools of IPM. • Dissemination of pest management technology by workshop and field day, publishing of booklet and research articles.

• Farmers training on cultivation of Malta and dragon fruits, and their arthropod pest management. • Survey and monitoring of arthropod species, consultation with scientists, extension workers and farmers. • Collection, identification and categorization of arthropod species. • Management of major arthropod pests applying different tools of IPM. • Dissemination of pest management technology by workshop and field day, publishing of booklet and research articles.

In Malta and dragon orchards, a total of 33 and 19 genera of arthropods, respectively were identified. Scale insect, mealy bug, Asian psyllid, leaf miner, lemon butterfly and citrus mite were found as the major pests of Malta. In dragon orchard, scale insect, mealy bug, and ant were the major pests.

• The farmers (30 persons) participated in the training program have gained knowledge on identification of arthropod pests (insects and mites), their natural enemies (predators and parasitoids), and pollinator insects, and components of the integrated pest management. • The farmers who attended the training program realized modern production and protection technologies, and acquainted with appropriate use of synthetic pesticides. • The updated knowledge directly inspiring them to safe fruit production and its substantially. • Through proper diagnosis and management of the pests, the farmers are getting higher yield, which ensures higher income and profitability. • The research findings may create a linkage among farmers, researchers, extension personal, academia and consumers.

• Through acquiring knowledge on major pests of Malta and dragon fruits and their ecofriendly management, farmers are delighted in expansion of producing these fruit crops. It is utmost necessary to develop, validate and disseminate the management approaches of the pests for sustainable production of the fruit crops. Therefore, funding support from KGF is needed to sustain the research project.