Traditional pest management practices in Kanyakumari district, southern peninsular India

Abstract

The paper deals with pests of paddy crop and coconut plantation, and their management through traditional methods by indigenous people of Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu. A total of 10 insect pests and 2 non-insect pests were identified in paddy fields. In coconut plantation, only 3 insect pests were recorded. The farmers use lime, fly ash and some plant species, namely <i style="">Azadiracta indica</i> A. Juss.<i style="">, Aloe barbadensis</i> Mill.<i style="">, Coleus amboinicus </i>Lour. and <i style="">Pongamia pinnata </i>Pierre as pest deterrent materials as well as fertilizer. Different types of traps used against insect pests such as fire trap, meat trap, plant trap and pot trap are effective in controlling pests.