Control of coconut black-headed caterpillar (Opisina arenosella Walker) bysystemic application of 'Soluneem' - A new water-soluble neem insecticide formulation

The coconut black-headed caterpillar (bhc) Opisina arenosella is one of the major pests of coconut palms causing considerable damage to coconut indust ry. As effective control has so far been elusive, the discovery of a succes sful method of control of this pest by systemic application of 'Soluneem', the first water soluble, non-toxic neem pesticide is reported. A single dos e of systemic administration of the formulation containing 3000 ppm of azad irachtin A in aqueous solution at the base of the trunk translocated. the b iopesticide to the crown within 24 h. A highly significant reduction in the larval population, moult inhibition, reduction in adult emergence and malf ormation in the emerged adults was recorded in Soluneem-treated trees. The protection lasted for more than 120 days with no phytotoxic symptoms to the treated palms and Soluneem was safe for natural enemies.