Citrus growers apprehensive of trunk borer attack

Citrus growers in Arunachal Pradesh are apprehensive that trunk borers are likely to spoil their orchards, a report published by the district Information and Public Relations officer, stated today.
According to the survey made under 'Rural Horticulture Work Experience', a team of students from College of Horticulture, Pasighat in East Siang district visited 20 citrus orchards and found that at least three out of every five plants were infested with citrus trunk borers in Mirem and adjoining villages like Miglung, Bilat and Ledum.
This insect is very common in North East region. It bores near the base of the trunk and makes easy access inside the plant and lay their eggs.

It makes zigzag galleries beneath the bark and tunnel into the trunk or main stem, and as a result feed on the internal tissues. The attacked branches wither away and die, the report said.
Proper awareness campaign is the need of the hour to sensitise the growers, it said.
As an immediate step, covering the tree trunks with white latex paint can prevent the bark from splitting and cracking off, the team suggested in its observation.
However, it will be wise if the growers survey their orchards and take opinion and help from the experts, the report added.