Survey on Incidence of Pests in Roselle Mesta, Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

A survey has been conducted during Kharif season 2020 to 2024 in major mesta growing areas in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts of Andhra Pradesh, India for the biotic stress in the crop and revealed that, Mealybug and Semilooper were the major insect pests causing severe loss to the crop. Occurrence of these two pests were recorded from 35 DAS to pre harvesting stages of the crop, but the peak incidence was coincided with the lush green and succulent vegetative state (45-65 DAS). Spatial differences, with Srikakulam locations often higher than Vizianagaram, may relate to higher rainfall and cloudiness favouring semilooper and mealybug survival and overlapping generations, highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring around 55–65 DAS particularly in high-risk mandals. The pest pressure from aphids, whiteflies, and leafhoppers on mesta in these districts is generally minimal and episodic. Based on these research findings it is recommended that farmers should focus mainly on early detection and timely control of mealybug and semilooper during vegetative stages, especially in Srikakualam district. Regular monitoring with need based interventions, and ecological approach should be emphasized instead of blanket insecticide usage. This study also provides surveillance baseline for the notch coastal region and will help in developing location specific IPM modules for sustainable mesta production.