Disease management in Casuarina

Disease in Casuarina Nursery:

(Pictures and content courtesy: Dr.V.Mohan, IFGTB, Coimbatore)

Damping-off in Casuarina:

It is a most prevalent disease in Casuarina nurseries world over and highly destructive & cause heavy loss of seedlings.

Causative organisms: Pythium, Phytophthora, Fusarium and Rhizoctonia.

Causes:

(1)High soil temperature,

(2)Excessive soil moisture,

(3)High soil pH (alkaline),

(4)High nitrogen content,

(5)Low light intensity due to shading,

(6)Stiffy or clayey soil with poor drainage, dense sowing.

Major diseases in Casuarina plantations: (Subject courtesy: FCRINAIP)

The casuarina plantation are found vulnerable to various diseases viz., stem canker and die back, pink disease, root infection and die back and wilt. The stem canker and die back can be controled by the application of Bavistan at 0.01 per cent active ingredients.

Wilt disease caused by Trichosporium is a serious disease and could be managed with proper soil and water management. Severely damaged trees have to be uprooted immediately to avoid further spreading.

S.No.	Common disease	Control Measure
1.	Damping off	Providing proper drainage Seed treatment with captan or thiram @ 4g/kg. Soil drenching with carbendazim @ 0.1 %
2.	Stem canker	Spray with mancozeb @ 0.25 %
3.	Die back	Removal of infected plant parts and spray with mancozeb @ 0.25 % or copper oxy chloride @ 0.25 %.
4.	Pink disease	Removal of severely affected plant parts or Scrap the infected portions and apply with Bordeaux Paste.
5.	Wilt disease	Remove the infected trees immediately.  Digging the trenches around the infected tree. Scrap the infected portion and spray with copper oxy chloride @ 0.25 %.

The picture below illustrates Blister bark disease of Casuarina may be caused after the attack by pests or after mechanical injury.  Picture Courtesy:

To know more about disease management please visit this link: 

Ppt presentation on Management of Pests and Diseases by Dr.Balu, a 

renowned Entomologist and Dr.V.Mohan, Pathologist, Forest Protection 

Division, IFGTB, Coimbatore. Slide number 34 to 47 are primarily about 

'Disease Management' authored by Dr.V.Mohan. 

The above Ppt presentation is also uploaded in top right side of this blog  

which can be used as a ready reckoner by our readers for the control of 

Insects and diseases in almost all the crops. 

My sincere thanks to Dr.V.Mohan, IFGTB on behalf of all our readers for 

providing us with all the details and pictures.

Regards,

A.Vishnu Sankar

Insect pests of Casuarina

Dear Friends,

In this third part of the series about pests, I have borrowed Pics from Dr.Balu, Entomologist, Forest Protection Division, IFGTB, Coimbatore and text content from Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam to explain about 'Pests of Casuarina'. (FCRI, Link on Major pests of Casuarina ).

Major Pests of Casuarina:
A bark feeding caterpillar is a major problem which results in heavy damage of trees due to the cylindrical tunnels created within the wood. Control of the pest is difficult, however application of one or two ml of kerosene in to the tunnel is found effective. Monocrotophos @ 5 ml per tree as bark padding method would be also be an effective chemical control.

Important pests and their control measures

S.No.	Common pest	Control Measure
1.	Bag worm	Topical application endosulfan or  chlorlpyriphos 2ml/litre.
2.	Bark feeding  caterpillar	Remove the feeding galleries and apply insecticide soaked cotton  (15ml of dichlorvos) in the bore holes.
3.	Stem borer	Inserting wire to remove feeding  larvae and applying  insecticide soaked  cotton (15ml of dichlorvos).
4.	Mealy bug	Topical application of methyl dematon or  dimethoate (2ml per litre)
5.	Termite	Application for chlorlpyriphos 2 ml per litre

Termites also cause serious damage in young plantation by destroying the root system leading to the death of young trees. This can be arrested by soil drenching with chlorpyriphos  at  0.2 per cent.

Understanding their behaviour: Termites feed on dead organic material and when this is not available they will eat live plant material like roots and barks of live plants. So. it is an indication to the farmer that soil health is deteriorating and there is a need to increase organic matter in it.  

(Click on the pictures below to have an enlarged view).

Termite attack on Casuarina:

Sap suckers on Casuarina: Scales and Mealy bugs:

 Defoliators on Casuarina:Caterpillars and Bag worms

 Defoliators on Casuarina: Needle feeders:

 Defoliators on Casuarina: Needle miners:

 Bark feeders on Casuarina: 

The picture below illustrates Blister bark disease of Casuarina may be caused after the attack by pests or after mechanical injury.  Picture Courtesy:

Nematode attack:

Casuarina roots are susceptible to infection by nematodes. There are many varieties in Nematode pests like: Lesion nematode, Lance nematode, Reniform nematode, Root knot nematode and Cyst nematode.

Control measures:

1)   Soil application of 10 gms each of VAM culture, Paecilomyces, Pseudomonas fluorescens and  Trichoderma viride at the pit at the time of planting will greatly reduce nematode population.

(or)

2)    Apply carbofuran 3 G @ 5 gm (or) Cartop 2 gm per pit at the time of planting and another application after 2 months.

(or)

3)      Nematode infestation in trees of 2 to 3 years age can be controlled by applying 10 gm of Carbofuran / tree, 1 feet away from the base in a circular fashion.   

TNAU recommendations for Nematode control:

1)      Apply pressmud at 15 t/ha or poultry manure at 2 t/ha or neem cake 2 t/ha or before last ploughing in garden lands.

2) Under wetland conditions, intercropping sunnhemp or marigold or daincha coupled with application of pressmud 25 t/ha or neem cake 2 t/ha.

3) Crop rotation for 3 years with Marigold or gingelly or sunnhemp for nematode control.

To know about Mechanical, Cultural, Behavioural, Botanical, Biological and 

Chemical control of all the above Sucking pests and leaf eating caterpillars 

please visit: Ppt presentation on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) by 

(the same author) Dr.Balu, a renowned Entomologist. 

The above Ppt presentation is also uploaded in top right side of this blog 

which can be used as a ready reckoner by our readers for the control of 

Insects and diseases in almost all the crops. 

Regards,

A.Vishnu Sankar.

Casuarina junghuhniana for sustainable energy development:

Some snippets from IFGTB 'Tree Growers Mela -2012:

Part - 6

Casuarina junghuhniana for sustainable energy development:

 

A detailed report on 'Casuarina junghuhniana for sustainable energy development' is the joint work of Mr.S.K.Shanmuga sundaram, IFS, Present Chief Conservator of Forests, Tirunelveli (Former Head of the Department of Biodiversity, IFGTB) and Dr.R.Gopalan and presented as Power point by the former professionally to the audience, who are mostly farmers, on the concluding day of the Tree growers Mela - 2012.

This report analyzes in detail the issues involved in "Energy management, Growth Vs Energy, Types of energy, Energy Resources, Energy efficiency, Current Energy Demand, Energy consumption, Energy scenario in India and Biomass power".

From the above presentation, I would like to bring to our readers the main subject of 'Utilizing Casuarina for Biomass power production' only. 

This report is generated from the PowerPoint presentation of Mr.S.K.Shanmuga Sundaram,IFS and the contents in its entirety and  the projections / assessment made here are his personal views only.

Those readers who may differ on the issues of yield, profit from Casuarina junghuhniana, matters relating to energy conversion and the quantum of power production are requested to express their views here to upgrade this article for the benefit of the fellow readers.

CASUARINA – A BIO RESOURCE :

•  A tree species belonging to Casuarinacea. 

•  Fast growing species, having multi utility value. 

•  Calorific value = 5000 k.cal.  (Approx.)

• Wood density is 698 kg/m³ (irrigated), 703 kg/m³ (rainfed). 

• Preferred by farmers for Agro forestry and Farm land afforestation.

 CURRENT UTILITY OF CASUARINA :

•         HOUSEHOLD FUEL, PULP WOOD,  

•         SCAFFOLDING, CHARCOAL MAKING,   

•         BIO SHIELD (SHELTER  BELT, WIND BREAK)  

•         PRODUCTION OF POWER

EXTENT OF CULTIVATION :

•  Casuarina is cultivated through out South India. 

• 80% of plantations are in the coastal areas in AP, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry.

• Area planted – 5 lac ha. Inland cultivation data deficient.

• Rotation 4 years.

• Inter cropping practiced in Ist year of planting. 

• Preferable species Casuarina junghuhniana, a drought tolerant and high yielding variety. 

• Espacement 1x1m (4000 trees per acre).

YIELDING PATTERN :

—Yield varies by

   1. Locations

   2. cultivation techniques adopted

   3. Period of rotation

   4. Irrigation facilities

   5. Fertilizer application

   6. Soil fertility

   7. Rainfall pattern

   8. 40 to 80 tonnes per acre in 4 years and 30 to 40 tonnes per acre  under rainfed conditions is reported.

 

ECONOMICS OF CASUARINA CULTIVATION :

Usage of high yield clones, 4 year rotation, 1x1m espacement, Coastal

belt, Irrigated land, yearly farm yard manure application, yearly twice

weeding and manual pruning of branches gives the following revenue:
      
      
     Total income (sale of pruned materials & poles) = 2,50,000 /-*      (Average yield 80 Tons x Rs.3000 + 10000)

     
      Total expenditure (including watch and ward) = 75,000 /-
 

       Net Income = 1,75,000 /- 

* Data for high yielding variety with the specified field conditions.

CASUARINA vs ELECTRICITY:

      CALORIFIC VALUE = 5000 Kcalories

One kilowatt per hour = 859.845kilo calories.

Energy conversion efficiency of casuarina = o.25.

The power production by using One ton of casuarina =

5000x1000x1/4x/859.845 = 1453.75 kwh

— 

      5MW Power Mill (Plant Load Factor=0.9)

      Per day production =1000X5X24X0.9 =108000kwh

      Per year production =108000x365 =39420000kwh

      Casuarina wood required per year

      =39420000/1453.75=27116.07911m.ton.

      Per day requirement =74.29 rounded to75m.tons.

      Area required@productivity of 60m.tons per acre

      with 4 year rotation period =452acres

      For continuous operation =452x4=1808acres

      Per day area required =1.23acres(0.5ha)

—

      Total no. of blocks in Tamil nadu=397

      Area required for cutivation of casuarina for operation of

5M.W.power mill in all the blocks=397x1808=717776 acres

      Power production capacity=397x5=1985mw. 

BIOMASS POWER PLANTS:

 

VIABILITY OF POWER PLANTS:

—Cost of electricity per unit=4.65

—Revenue to be realized per year=39420000x4.65= Rs 183303000

—Cost of wood =27116x3000= 81348000

—Profit margin=183303000-81348000=Rs 101955000

—Viability is facilitated by many other factors.

INCENTIVES TO THE MILLS: 

     1. Capital subsidy @Rs 20/lakhs/MW subject to Maximum of 5 MW.


2. Fiscal incentives in terms of excise duty concession, reduced

customs duty.


3. 80% accelerated depreciation for IT purpose in I year of

installation.


4. Tax holidays for 10 years for profit from the project.

5. Power purchase @Rs4.65/unit as per tariff order of TNERC.


6. Concessional wheeling charges of 3% for distance upto 25 km and


6% for distance beyond 25 km for captive use.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS TO THE MILLS:

•       Bio char.
•       Activated charcoaL
•       CDM.
•       Prevent migration.
•       Additional employment.
•       Land improvement.
•       Theft, Prevention of transmission loss.
•       Protection of environment.

SCOPE FOR MAXIMISING ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION: 

- BLOCK WAR POWER MILL IN TAMIL NADU. 

- REDUCTION IN TRANSPORTATION COST. 

—TRANSMISSION LOSS REDUCED. 

—PARTICIPATION BY LOCAL COMMUNITY. 

—COST EFFECTIVE PRODUCTION. 

—BETTER LAND USE STRATEGY. 

—ENABLES ENERGY SECURITY OF THE BLOCK. 

—ENSURES GREEN AND CLEAN ENERGY. 

—ADDITIONAL REVENUE TO FARMING COMMUNITY.

STRATEGY TO BE ADOPTED:

1. START PRODUCER COMPANIES IN EACH BLOCK. 

2. ALL FARMERS AND CONSUMERS ARE TO BE MADE AS

-MEMBERS,WITH SHARE PARTICIPATION. 

3. GOVT. IS ALSO A MEMBER WITH MAXIMUM SHARE VALUE OF 

RS.25-CRORES. 

4. ROLE TO BE ASSIGNED TO BLOCK LEVEL TREE  GROWERS. 

5. EFFORTS TO MAKE IT AS A ‘CDM ‘ PROJECT. 

6. TIE UP WITH TREE GROWERS TO PROCURE WOOD SIMILAR TO

-CANE PROCUREMENT BY SUGAR MILLS. 

7. VENTURE CAPITAL  FOR ERECTION AND RAISE PLANTATIONS 

8. CAUTION FOR DIVERSION OF LAND  FROM AGRICULTURE AT THE 

-COST OF FOOD SECURITY. 

9. SUBSIDY AND SOFT LOAN ARRANGEMENT THROUGH NEW AND 

-RENEWABLE ENERGY DEPARTMENT.  

 

BENEFITS TO MEMBERS (Farmers): 

   

1.Members (read as farmers) will initially receive only such value for the

 produce or products pooled and supplied as the directors may determine.

 
2. The withheld amount may be disbursed later either in cash or in kind 

or by allotment of equity shares.

 
3. Members will be eligible to receive bonus shares and patronage bonus

(akin to dividend).  

(Concluded). 

    Some points to discuss: 
 

1. Readers are requested to send their opinion and corrections required in 

 

the given report to my email. 

 

2. Clarifications regarding some contentious issues like yield and profit from 

 

Casuarina junghuhniana and matters relating to energy conversion and power 

 

production will be sent to the above authors on your behalf and their replies 

 

will be published in this blog.

Links for some of my older posts regarding Biomass:

  

1. Melia dubia for Biomass Power production

2. Sustainable energy development should not at the cost of Agriculture.  

Regards,

A.Vishnu Sankar.