Coconut White Fly menace is back!

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Coconut cultivations across multiple districts have been severely affected due to the Coconut White Fly infestation.

The Coconut White Fly, which was reported for the first time from the Kegalle district in 2019, is currently widespread in several districts.

The Assistant Director of the Coconut Research Institute, Dr. Nayani Arachchige stated that the Coconut White Fly has severely affected coconut cultivation in Kalutara, Gampaha, and Colombo districts.

In addition to this, she stated that the  Coconut White Fly has spread in Kurunegala, Kandy, Galle, Matara, Ratnapura and Puttalam, and Hambantota districts.

The Coconut Research Institute says that a large number of coconut trees and king coconut trees have been attacked by the Coconut White Fly.

Due to the attacks by the Coconut White Fly on the tree, the green color of the plant leaves decreases and the tissue becomes yellow, resulting in a decrease in productivity.

Soapy water, insecticides, or coir oil can be used to control whiteflies.

The Coconut Research Institute informs coconut cultivation owners that if there is any suspicion of whitefly spread, they should immediately inform the coconut development officer in the area.