Nature of Infestation and Management of Cardamom Scale <i>Aulacaspis elettaria</i> Joshi and Nafeesa on Cardamom

The nature of the infestation of cardamom scale (Aulacaspis elettaria Joshi & Nafeesa) on small cardamom [Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton] was illustrated. The percentage of infestation and pest density of A. elettaria in the cardamom hill reserves, Kerala, during 2021-2023 were recorded, respectively as 22.4% and 9.6 female scales/ 5 cm length of the pseudostem portion. Lower infestation and higher reduction levels in pest density were reported in plants treated with spiromecifen 22.9 SC (0.7 ml/ l) followed by spinetoram 11.7 SC (0.4 ml/ l), quinalphos 25 EC (2 ml/ l) and thiamethoxam 25 WG (0.2 g/ l). Among the botanicals tested, infestation percentage was reduced and a considerable decline in pest density (30%) was also noticed on plants treated with neem seed kernel extract (5%). The importance of integrated pest management, including the introduction of natural enemies was discussed.