Management of guava stem borer

 During February, a farmer named Sri. Krishna Reddy approached Krishi Vigyan Kendra Reddipalli for soil analysis in guava orchard. The soil is alkaline, with pH >8.0 and during interaction with the farmer, it came to be known that most of the guava plants in the village are drying up and the reason was not known. In this context, a diagnostic visit was planned to the village along with plant protection and extension scientists. After field visits in the village, it was came to known that the actual problem involved was micro nutrient deficiency of zinc, boron, manganese and magnesium and severe infestation of guava stem borer in some fields. So, the farmers were enlightened about the micro nutrient deficiency symptoms, reasons for non availability to plant and suggested to go for foliar application of micro nutrients after the receipt of monsoon. The control measures for management of stem borer viz. insertion of iron needle and killing inscects, closing the holes with cotton after application of carbofuran 3G granules were suggested. Stem borer was managed successfully and the farmers were happy