Technology Gaps Analysis in Integrated Management of Jasmine's Leaf Webworm (Nausinoe geometralis) in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Investigations were conducted during 2015-2016, in major jasmine growing districts of Tamil Nadu, for assessing the distribution, infestation level and the relative importance of leaf webworm of jasmine, Nausinoe geometralis. The incidence was more in Madurai (28.75%) followed by Coimbatore (27.65%), Virdhunagar (25.42%) and Tiruneveli (25.36%) districts. Forty nine % respondents were aware of leaf webworm as a pest, but only nine % respondents ranked it as the most important pest. The technological gap indices (TGI) were high in adopting right frequency in spraying of chemicals (91%), usage of biological control agents (87%) and effective cultural practices viz., regular raking of soil to destroy pupa (85%) and collection and destruction of fallen and discolored buds and flowers (82%). A majority of respondents (52.94%) had high level of technological gap, whereas, only 11.76% were in low level of technology gap. Thus, efforts should be taken to create awareness among jasmine growers for the use of eco-friendly bio-control methods against jasmine leaf webworm as well as other pests of jasmine.