Coconut cultivators in the Puttalam District are facing a severe coconut caterpillar epidemic, which is causing widespread destruction of plantations and significant distress among farmers.

The outbreak has been reported in several areas, including Madurankuliya, Mangalaeliya, Mundalama, Tharawilluwa, Kottapitiya, and Anavilindawa, with farmers noting that previous efforts to protect crops have largely failed.

Officials from the Coconut Cultivation Board and the Lunuvila Coconut Research Institute (CRI) have conducted field inspections in severely affected areas such as Madurankuliya and Thoduwawa to assess the damage.

Experts report that adult caterpillars reside on coconut fronds, feeding on the sap by scraping tissues from the underside of the leaves. If unchecked, over 30% of a palm’s fronds could be damaged, significantly impacting harvests.

Dr. Roshan Silva, Head of the Crop Protection Division at the Lunuvila CRI, explained that the epidemic has intensified due to the decrease in temperature and cold conditions during the October-November period.

These conditions negatively affect the caterpillars’ natural parasites while creating an ideal environment for the caterpillars themselves, leading to a surge in their population.

To control the outbreak, Dr. Silva recommends an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. The primary control method is biological, involving the release of natural parasites, which are provided free of charge by the Coconut Cultivation Board and Lunuvila CRI.

He noted that approximately 90% of caterpillar control in the Puttalam District is achieved through this method. Chemical control, such as trunk injections of insecticide, is used only when biological measures are insufficient.

Dr. Silva emphasized the importance of early intervention. Farmers are urged to report initial signs of damage to Coconut Development Officers or the Coconut Research Institute promptly to prevent the outbreak from escalating into a full-blown epidemic.