<b>Indigenous practice on protection of <i style="">Areca catechu</i> Linn. seedlings – A case study in Meghalaya</b>

Abstract

The present study was conducted in the southern part of East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya dominated by tribe Khasi Wars where maximum land is under Areca nut plantation. Areca nut seedlings are seriously damaged by the grubs of a red palm weevil which kill the whole seedling. However, the Wars farmers with their traditional wisdom easily detect the infested seedlings and with their indigenous practices of “checking the grubs in nuts” locally known as “<i style="">peit ksain kwai”</i> control the damage of the young plants. Khasi Wars farmers’ knowledge for identifying and protecting Areca nuts damage in the young stage developed by indigenous initiative, inherited over generations, is very effective and still in practice.