On Farm Assessment of Cassava Leaf Extract Biopesticide in Controlling Banana Pseudostem Weevil and Popularization of the Technology

Pseudostem weevil (Odoiporus longicollis) attacks banana crop from 5th month of planting by adult female inserting eggs into pseudostem cavities and emerging out grubs feed on the internal tissues. This weakens pseudo stem leading to collapse plant. The yield loss due this pest is estimated as 10-30 per cent in some cases, it may be up 90 percent. Indiscriminate usage chemical pesticides causes resistance weevils also results pesticide residues. It context that a field experiment was conducted study effectiveness bio Cassava leaf extract controlling weevil. Banana (var. Nendran) fields 6 ha area scattered three villages Ernakulam district, Kerala wasselected conduct study. effect cassava biopesticide compared with Chlorophyriphos. Data incidence, damage, were recorded. None plants damaged treated biopesticide. Crop damage extent 19.92 recorded Chlorophyriphos 45.16 got plots where no treatment done. average increase bunch weight 52 against 24 Various extension methods employed popul