Since the amount of benefits a farmer can gain from each coconut tree is very large, the loss of one plant can cause a notable percentage of impact in plantation. Even though palm tree is very stable and sturdy in nature, unhealthy behavior from our side can cause adverse effects that can invite diseases or pest attack. Here are 5 major things that can be dangerous to your precious coconut farm, which you should take measures to avoid.
1. WOUNDS AND CUTS CAUSED BY EQUIPMENTS :
It is widely noticed that many of the farmers have that habit of placing farming equipments like knives or saw blades on the wood of the coconut tree. This will cause a cut on the tough bark of tree, leaving the fleshy inside of palm exposed, causing the sweet fluid flow out. This will attract the insects and bugs, including the extremely hazardous Red Palm Weevils, which will breed rapidly and eat through stems, which will eventually destroy coconut tree.
2. BURNING THINGS INSIDE FARM :
Another widely seen habit all around the coconut farms, is burning down the waste or another materials within the farm. Since there is a lot of husks, coir and leaves, especially dry ones found abundant within the farm, there is a high risk to catch fire and destroy the farm within minutes. Also the presence of fire will cause the fleeing of Honey Bees, which is very important to the coconut trees, since they play a major role in pollination and eventually the yield.
3. METHOD OF FLOOD IRRIGATION :
Flood irrigation is a popular type of method that has been in practice for a long time all over the country, for serving water to the trees. Since a large amount of water is pumped openly into the farm connecting each and every tree, there is an expense in huge amount. The real danger strikes when diseases like Tanjavur Tilt and Root Decaying can be spread easily through flood irrigation method, damaging the entire farm.
4. PRESENCE OF A DISEASED/DEAD TREE :
Even through there is only a small amount of damage has happened to your coconut farm through diseases or pest attack, it is advised to remove the affected tree immediately from the plantation. The presence of deseased remains, affected by Tanjavur Tilt, Leaf Blight, Bud Rot etc, within the farm, close to the healthy palm trees, can affect the whole farm in no time. It is advised to remove the trees, which are either dead or on critical stage, and burn it outside away from farm.
5. ACCUMULATION OF UNUSED MANURE AND COMPOST :
Since manures and composts are needed in big amounts on a daily basis within the farm, it is advised to maintain the usage in well measured way in tally with the input. Manures like cow dung are collected on large scale within the plantation, especially on the farms which grow cattles. As the manure accumulates on a particular place for a long time without getting exposed to sunlight, it creates optimum conditions to Rhinocerous beetles to lay eggs, which will be extremely hazardous to the trees.
