Towards the development of an integrated pest management system of Helopeltis in Malaysia

Azhar Ismail, . Towards the development of an integrated pest management system of Helopeltis in Malaysia. pp. 55-68. ISSN 0128-0686

Helopeltis is a major insect pest of cocoa in Malaysia. Hence its management is of prime importance to ensure profitable yield. Cocoa is a relatively new crop in Malaysia and research on the management of Helopeltis is relatively scanty. As such management approaches are largely based on West African experiences where considerable research has been carried out. However this management approaches is largely based on chemicals which remain the first line of defence in existing Helopeltis management strategies in Malaysia. The development of chemical control of Helopeltis is discussed. The salient features of biological and cultural control are also examined. A lack of understanding of the principles involved has resulted in minor use of them in Helopeltis management. Nevertheless the significant role of ants in limiting Helopeltis attack especially under the cocoa and coconut ecosystems is worth considering in the development of an integrated pest management (IPM) system regardless of the size of cocoa areas. With the ultimate aim of reducing chemical usage monitoring of the Helopeltis populations and the understanding of their ecology have become important in the implementation of IPM. The use of an early warning system is one of the means by which the objectives of IPM may be achieved with subsequent improvement in cocoa yield.

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Abstract

Helopeltis is a major insect pest of cocoa in Malaysia. Hence its management is of prime importance to ensure profitable yield. Cocoa is a relatively new crop in Malaysia and research on the management of Helopeltis is relatively scanty. As such management approaches are largely based on West African experiences where considerable research has been carried out. However this management approaches is largely based on chemicals which remain the first line of defence in existing Helopeltis management strategies in Malaysia. The development of chemical control of Helopeltis is discussed. The salient features of biological and cultural control are also examined. A lack of understanding of the principles involved has resulted in minor use of them in Helopeltis management. Nevertheless the significant role of ants in limiting Helopeltis attack especially under the cocoa and coconut ecosystems is worth considering in the development of an integrated pest management (IPM) system regardless of the size of cocoa areas. With the ultimate aim of reducing chemical usage monitoring of the Helopeltis populations and the understanding of their ecology have become important in the implementation of IPM. The use of an early warning system is one of the means by which the objectives of IPM may be achieved with subsequent improvement in cocoa yield.

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Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	1 ill.; 3 tables; 77 ref. Summary (En Malay)
AGROVOC Term:	THEOBROMA CACAO
AGROVOC Term:	HELOPELTIS
AGROVOC Term:	LUCHA INTEGRADA
AGROVOC Term:	MALASIA/ CONTROL DE INSECTOS
AGROVOC Term:	FORMICIDAE
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:55
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/20033

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