The Centre of Plant Protection Studies of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University has forecasted Pest and Disease control methods for the month of July 2016. With the onset of monsoons, the possible pests and disease incidence have been predicted for various crops like rice, millets, maize, groundnuts, cabbage etc.
Reports state that the pest and disease incidence will be below the economic threshold levels in all districts of Tamil Nadu. Hence, farmers are asked to monitor their crops for pest activities by setting light traps in their fields. The department has also recommended pesticides, prevention methodologies, and additional fertilisers to be administered to overcome crop infestations.
Maize is been cultivated around Coimbatore and Tirupur district in vast areas, the farmers have been advised to spray metalaxyl +mancozeb 2.5g / l of water to protect the crops from monsoon infestations.