Among the different kinds of popular beverages worldwide, tea ranks quite high on the list. This aromatic beverage is made from the leaves of Camellia Sinensis, in fresh or cured form. Tea is an evergreen shrub, which is native to East Asia. The origin of this plant is probably in northern Myanmar or the bordering area of southwestern China. There are various ways in which tea is prepared. However, the two constant elements remain boiling water and the tea (in fresh or cured form). 

When it comes to tea, India is the second largest importer after China. The northern and southern states of India are famed for growing tea, with Assam being the largest tea-growing state.

Different Kinds Of Tea Pests And Their Control Methods

Pest infestations are quite common in tea plantations. These infestations are an area of major concern for tea plantation owners as they lead to huge production losses. Some of the most common pests which affect tea plantations include red spider mites, tea loopers, thrips, tea mosquito bugs, etc. The major diseases which are commonly found in tea plants include blister blight, red rust, black rot, and many more. 

To prevent these infestations and protect the plants, farmers use various kinds of tea tree insecticides. 

Let us take a look at the common pests and the ways of controlling the same:

• Mosquito Bug

One of the most common pests found in tea plantations is the mosquito bug. This pest sucks the sap of the buds, young leaves, and tender stems, which leads to the breakdown of the tissue at the feeding site of the pest. Spots are formed in the area and these subsequently dry up. The affected areas in the leaf curl up and even become deformed. Because of oviposition, the stems often develop cracks. In the long run, there is stunted growth of the tea plant. 

One of the best tea tree insecticides is Areva, an excellent product from the house of Dhanuka Agritech Limited. Areva, Thiamethoxam 25% Wg, is a soluble insecticide available in granular form belonging to the Neonicotinoid Group. When compared to other insecticides, this product offers longer protection against mosquito bugs. This is also an environment-friendly insecticide. 

On application, Areva gets quickly absorbed by the plant and then it is transported to all parts of the plant including the pollen. Regardless of the weather conditions, Areva is taken up rapidly and also starts acting fast. 

• Tea Loopers

One of the deadliest pests in tea plantations is tea loopers. This defoliating pest causes heavy crop losses. The larvae of this pest infest the leaves and the shoots of the tea plant. While the young loopers consume tender leaves of the tea plant, the older ones eat all the leaves barring the rib of the leaf. In case of severe attacks, there are no leaves left on the tea plant. 

Dhanuka Agritech Limited’s EM-1 is an insecticide belonging to the Avermectin group. The product contains Emamectin Benzoate 5% and is a well-known soluble granular insecticide. This insecticide provides effective control against caterpillars by its contact and stomach poisoning action. Because of its translaminar action, EM-1 controls the caterpillars which are present on the lower surface of the leaves. 

Within just 2 hours after the application of the insecticide, the damage-causing actions of the caterpillars stop. With rain-fastness for 4 hours, this insecticide is highly suitable for any Integrated Pest Management System. 

• Thrips

While talking of common tea pests, you cannot miss thrips by any chance. Thrips tend to feed on the tender parts of the plant, which are above the ground. They cause distortion and scars on the leaves along with discolouration of buds. Buds which are infested with thrips drop down and become brittle. The sucking parts appear one after the other in pale thin lines on the leaf’s underside, just parallel to the main vein. 

Dhanulux, by Dhanuka Agritech Limited, is an organo-phosphatic insecticide comprising 25% w/w quinalphose a.l. in the form of an emulsifiable concentrate. This broad-spectrum insecticide offers excellent initial action on various kinds of crops including tea. The application of Dhanulux can be done as a foliar spray. 

The insecticide is highly effective against sucking and chewing mites and insects and comes with good residual action. the best thing is that Dhanulux is compatible with the majority of pesticides, apart from those which have alkaline nature. 

• Red spider mites

Discussion about tea pests and their control will remain incomplete without the mention of red spider mites. These pests extract the contents of the leaves with their mouth. As a result, chlorophyll content decreases and white or yellow speckles are formed on the leaves. When infestations are severe, leaves will desiccate and fall off. There are also reported cases of webbing in severe infestations. 

Dhanuka Agritech Limited offers two tea tree insecticides, which are effective for controlling red spider mites in tea plantations – Omite and Foster. 

Foster contains Cyflumetofen 20% SC. The product has long residual activity offering an extended duration of control. The product affects the red mites directly and paralyses and kills the mites. The insecticide has a rain-fastness of 3 hours. 

Omite offers effective control against mites through fumigant and contact action. this product controls 36 species of mites. Tea plants get immediate protection from the application of Omite as the mites stop feeding right after the insecticide application. If you are looking for Integrated Pest Management, Omite is a great choice. 

Dhanuka Agritech Limited – One-Stop Destination For All Kinds Of Insecticides And Pesticides

Dhanuka Agritech Limited has carved a niche for itself for being one of the most trusted agri-input companies in India. The company offers innumerable agricultural pest control solutions including insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, biostimulants, and plant growth regulators along with more than 330 active SKUs. Pest solutions for almost all major Indian crops are available at Dhanuka Agritech Limited. Visit the official website of the company to know more.