Journal of Environmental Biology

Influence of tree physical parameters on reinfestation and efficacy of post-extraction prophylactic treatments against cashew stem and root borer, Plocaederus ferrugineus L.: A multi-year study 

V. Ramteke¹*, Bhojendra¹, N.C. Mandawi¹, Y.S. Nirala², P. Thakur¹, T.N. Raviprasad³, J.D. Adiga³, R.S. Netam¹, D.C. Salam¹ and A. Kerketta⁴     

¹Shaheed Gundadhur College of Agriculture and Research Station, Kumhrawand, Jagdalpur, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya-494 001, India

²Barrister Thakur Chhedilal College of Agriculture and Research Station, Sarkanda, Bilaspur, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya-495 006, India

³Directorate of Cashew Research (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), Puttur-574 202, India

⁴College of Agriculture and Research Station, Kunkuri, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya-496 225, India

Received: 22 February 2025                   Revised: 13 April 2025                   Accepted: 17 July 2025

*Corresponding Author Email : vikas.ramteke@igkv.ac.in                     *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4142-016X

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of different insecticidal treatments as post-extraction prophylaxis (PEP) for controlling CSRB reinfestation and tree mortality in cashew trees.

Methodology: A five-year field study (2019–2024) was conducted in Ghatkawali village, Bastar district, Chhattisgarh, India, using 90 cashew trees treated with five insecticidal protocols. Treatments viz. T₁ (Fipronil 5 % SC swabbing at 2 ml l^-1), T₂ (Neem oil swabbing at 5% suspension), T₃ (Imidacloprid 17.8 SL at 2 ml l^-1 as swabbing and drenching), T₄ (Chlorpyriphos 20 EC at 10 ml l^-1) and T₅ (Treated check - only removal of CSRB grubs) were applied three times annually, and efficacy was assessed based on reinfestation rates, physical tree parameters and canopy condition.

Results: Chlorpyriphos applied @ 10 ml l^-1 was the most effective treatment, with 88.89% of trees were free from reinfestation, followed by fipronil and imidacloprid applied @ 2 ml l^-1 each presented 80 and 70 % trees free from reinfestation. Older trees (>15 years) and larger-girth trees (>32 cm) were more prone to reinfestation, 37.08% and 37.00% rates, respectively. Canopy yellowing significantly influenced reinfestation (p<0.05).

Interpretation: Chlorpyriphos (10 ml l^-1) and Fipronil (2 ml l^-1) are recommended as the most effective PEP treatments for CSRB management. These treatments reduced reinfestation and improved tree recovery and productivity. The study highlights the need for routine monitoring and integrated pest management strategies to sustain cashew cultivation.

Key words: Bark circumference damage, CSRB, Stem diameter, Tree age

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