Lessons

Neem products

Where the crop guides use neem oil, neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) and neem cake.

The advice below comes from each crop's guide — every item shows its source, region and date. It is pending expert review; ask your local officer whether it suits your area.

Crops with advice (52)

Tap a crop to open its advice.

  • Maize2 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Fall armyworm: prevention and non-chemical measures

      Apply neem cake at 250 kg/ha during the last ploughing, and treat seeds with Beauveria bassiana at 10 g/kg. Use spacing of 60 x 25 cm for irrigated and 45 x 20 cm for rainfed maize, leaving a 75 cm gap after every 10 rows. Raise border crops of cowpea, sunflower or gingelly, and intercrop with black gram or green gram, to attract and conserve natural enemies. Raise a border crop of Bajra Napier for irrigated maize, or grain sorghum for rainfed maize, to attract the moths. Use a solar light trap (1 per hectare) and sex pheromone traps (50 per hectare) from 10–15 days after sowing.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Maize – Pest management (Fall armyworm), p. 113
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04

    • Fall armyworm: botanical and biological sprays

      At the early whorl stage (15–20 days after sowing), azadirachtin 1% EC at 20 ml per 10 litres is listed. At the late whorl stage (40–45 days), Metarhizium anisopliae at 80 g per 10 litres (1 x 10^8 cfu/g) is listed.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Maize – Pest management (Fall armyworm), p. 113
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Jowar1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Stem borer and earhead caterpillar: non-chemical measures

      Sow lablab or cowpea as an intercrop (sorghum : lablab/cowpea 4:1) to reduce stem borer damage. For earhead caterpillar, set up sex pheromone traps at 12 per hectare from flowering to grain hardening, and apply NPV at 1.5 x 10^12 POB with crude sugar 2.5 kg and cotton seed kernel powder 250 g on the earheads twice at a 10-day interval, preferably in the early morning or evening. Neem seed kernel extract 5% is also listed.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sorghum – Pest management (Stem borer, earhead caterpillar), p. 77
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Groundnut1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera): non-chemical measures

      Grow castor as a border or intercrop to serve as an indicator or trap crop. Monitor the moths with light traps and pheromone traps. Collect and destroy egg masses, and the gregarious larvae as soon as lace-like leaves appear on castor, cowpea and groundnut. Spray NSKE 5% (neem seed kernel extract), or apply nuclear polyhedrosis virus at 1.5 x 10^12 POB per hectare with crude sugar 2.5 kg and teepol 250 ml per hectare.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Groundnut – Tobacco caterpillar, p. 194
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Tomato3 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Protected nursery in pro-trays

      For one hectare, prepare a 3-cent nursery area with a 2% slope, covered with 50% shade net, with 40/50 mesh insect-proof nylon net on the sides. Fill pro-trays with sterilised cocopeat (300 kg mixed with 5 kg neem cake and 1 kg each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria) and sow one treated seed per cell. Stack the trays and cover with polythene until germination starts; after six days, place them on raised beds inside the shade net. Water daily with a rose can, and drench with NPK 19:19:19 at 0.5% (5 g per litre) 18 days after sowing.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Tomato – Protected nursery, p. 57
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04

    • Fruit borer: non-chemical measures

      Grow tall American marigold as a trap crop: plant 40-day-old marigold and 25-day-old tomato seedlings at the same time, in a 1:16 row ratio. Set up pheromone traps at 12 per hectare. Collect and destroy damaged fruits and grown-up caterpillars. Release Trichogramma chilonis at 1 lakh per hectare every 7 days from flower initiation. Spray HaNPV at 1.5 x 10^12 POB per hectare, or azadirachtin 1% EC at 2 ml per litre, or Bacillus thuringiensis at 2 g per litre in the evening.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Tomato – Plant protection (Fruit borer), pp. 59–60
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04

    • IPM package for tomato

      Seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens (10 g/kg); nursery application of Trichoderma viride and P. fluorescens; neem cake at 250 kg/ha; soil application of P. fluorescens at 2.5 kg/ha; select good, virus-free seedlings; rogue out virus-infected plants up to 45 days after transplanting; grow marigold as a border crop; Helicoverpa and Spodoptera pheromone traps at 12 per hectare; release Trichogramma chilonis at 50,000 per hectare; yellow sticky traps; and neem formulations (1%) or neem seed kernel extract (5%).

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Tomato – IPM package, p. 62
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Pearl millet1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Shoot fly and ear midge: non-chemical measures

      Plough soon after harvest and remove and destroy the stubble. Set up low-cost fish meal traps at 12 per hectare until the crop is 30 days old. Neem seed kernel extract 5% is listed as a spray option. In shoot fly–endemic areas, use a higher seed rate and remove shoot fly–damaged seedlings at thinning.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cumbu – Pest management, p. 88
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Green gram2 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Powdery mildew, rust and yellow mosaic: non-chemical measures

      Powdery mildew: spray NSKE 5% or neem oil 3% twice at a 10-day interval from the first symptoms. Rust: spray 10% eucalyptus leaf extract when the disease starts and 10 days later. Yellow mosaic (spread by whitefly): install yellow sticky traps at 12 per hectare, rogue out virus-infected plants up to 45 days, and spray 10% notchi leaf extract at 30 days or a neem formulation at 3 ml per litre.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Greengram – Disease management (Powdery mildew, rust, yellow mosaic), pp. 149–150
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04

    • Root rot

      Apply zinc sulphate at 25 kg/ha and neem cake at 150 kg/ha basally. Apply Pseudomonas fluorescens or Trichoderma asperellum at 2.5 kg/ha with 50 kg of well-decomposed FYM or sand to the soil at 30 days after sowing.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Greengram – Disease management (Root rot), p. 150
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Sesame2 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Shoot and capsule borer

      Threshold: 10 larvae per m² in the vegetative stage and 2 larvae per m² in the reproductive stage. Neem seed kernel extract 5% or neem oil 2% are listed as spray options.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sesame – Pest management, p. 202
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04

    • Root rot and phyllody

      Root rot: apply Pseudomonas fluorescens or Trichoderma asperellum at 2.5 kg/ha with 50 kg of well-decomposed FYM or sand at 30 days after sowing. Phyllody (spread by a leafhopper): remove and destroy infected plants; neem seed kernel extract 5% or neem oil 2% against the vector, combined with intercropping sesame + red gram (6:1).

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sesame – Disease management (Root rot, phyllody), p. 203
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Castor1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Semilooper

      Encourage the activity of the larval parasitoid Microplitis maculipennis. Azadirachtin 0.03% (1000 ml per hectare) is listed as a spray option.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Castor – Pest management (Semilooper), p. 210
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Brinjal1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Shoot and fruit borer, whitefly and beetles: IPM

      Shoot and fruit borer: clip and destroy affected shoot tips with bore holes and affected fruits; avoid synthetic pyrethroids; spray neem seed kernel extract 5% from one month after planting at 15-day intervals; monitor moths with pheromone traps and release Trichogramma after each brood. Whitefly: yellow sticky traps at 12 per hectare, neem oil 3% with teepol 1 ml/l, and maize as a border crop. Epilachna beetle: collect and destroy beetles, grubs and pupae. Aphids: release green lacewing larvae (Chrysoperla) at 10,000 per hectare. Apply neem cake at 250 kg/ha.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Brinjal – Pests; IPM package, pp. 65–67
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Okra1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Fruit borers, whitefly and yellow vein mosaic: IPM

      Set up pheromone traps at 12 per hectare and collect and destroy affected fruits. Release the egg parasitoid Trichogramma chilonis at 1.0 lakh per hectare, green lacewing larvae at 10,000 per hectare, and Chelonus blackburnii and Bracon brevicornis at 1000 adults each per hectare three times at fortnightly intervals from flower initiation. Spray Bacillus thuringiensis at 2 g/l. Grow maize as a border crop against whiteflies, use yellow sticky traps, and periodically remove yellow vein mosaic–infected plants. Apply neem cake at 250 kg/ha and neem formulations.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Bhendi – IPM; IPM package, pp. 71–72
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Cabbage1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Pests and diseases: non-chemical measures in the source

      Aphids: yellow sticky traps (12/ha) to monitor; neem oil 3%. Diamondback moth: grow mustard as a trap crop (cabbage to mustard at 20:1), set pheromone traps (12/ha), and spray Bacillus thuringiensis 2 g/l or NSKE 5% at the early stage. Club root: Pseudomonas fluorescens 10 g/kg seed, seedling dip 5 g/l and 2.5 kg/ha in the soil with 50 kg FYM; rotate crops and avoid cabbage-family crops for three years.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cabbage – Plant protection (non-chemical measures), pp. 121–123
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Cauliflower1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Pests and diseases: non-chemical measures in the source

      Aphids: yellow sticky traps (12/ha); neem oil 3%. Diamondback moth: mustard as a trap crop (20:1), pheromone traps (12/ha), NSKE 5%. Club root: Pseudomonas fluorescens 10 g/kg seed, seedling dip 5 g/l and 2.5 kg/ha in the soil with 50 kg FYM before planting.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cauliflower – Plant protection (non-chemical measures), pp. 126–127
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Carrot1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Pests and nematodes

      The source says carrot is not much affected by pests. For nematodes: neem cake 1 t/ha at planting; or a mustard bio-fumigation crop followed by neem cake 250 kg/ha with Purpureocillium lilacinus 5 kg/ha. A leaf-spot spray (chemical) is also listed — ask your officer before using it.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Carrot – Plant protection (nematode), p. 129
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Cucumber2 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Fertilizer

      Apply FYM 40 t/ha as basal and 35 kg N/ha 30 days after sowing. Before the last ploughing, apply Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha each and Pseudomonas 2.5 kg/ha with 50 kg FYM and 100 kg neem cake per hectare. Fertigation for F1 hybrids: 150:75:75 kg NPK/ha in split doses, with 75% of the phosphorus as basal. Hoe and weed two or three times.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cucumber – Application of fertilizers; fertigation, p. 98
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04

    • Fruit fly: non-chemical measures in the source

      Collect and destroy affected fruits. Fruit flies are fewest in hot weather and peak in the rainy season, so adjust the sowing time. Plough to expose the pupae. Set up cucurbit fruit-fly traps at 4 per acre. Neem oil 3% is also listed. Do not use copper or sulphur dust on these crops — they damage the plants.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cucumber – Plant protection (fruit fly), pp. 98–99
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Bottle gourd1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Fertilizer

      Per pit: 10 kg FYM and 100 g of 6:12:12 NPK mixture as basal, then 10 g N per pit 30 days after sowing. Before the last ploughing, apply Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha each and Pseudomonas 2.5 kg/ha with 50 kg FYM and 100 kg neem cake per hectare. Fertigation for hybrids: 200:100:100 kg NPK/ha in split doses through the crop.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Bottle gourd – Application of fertilizers; fertigation, pp. 89–90
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Bitter gourd2 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Fertilizer

      Per pit: 10 kg FYM and 100 g of 6:12:12 NPK mixture as basal, then 10 g N per pit 30 days after sowing. Before the last ploughing, apply Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha each and Pseudomonas 2.5 kg/ha with 50 kg FYM and 100 kg neem cake per hectare. Fertigation for hybrids: 200:100:100 kg NPK/ha in split doses through the crop.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Bitter gourd – Application of fertilizers; fertigation, p. 92
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04

    • Fruit fly: non-chemical measures in the source

      Collect and destroy affected fruits. Fruit flies are fewest in hot weather and peak in the rainy season, so adjust the sowing time. Plough to expose the pupae. Set up cucurbit fruit-fly traps at 4 per acre. Neem oil 3% is also listed. Do not use copper or sulphur dust on these crops — they damage the plants.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Bitter gourd – Plant protection (fruit fly), p. 94
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Ridge gourd1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Fertilizer

      Per pit: 10 kg FYM and 100 g of 6:12:12 NPK mixture as basal, then 10 g N per pit 30 days after sowing. Before the last ploughing, apply Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha each and Pseudomonas 2.5 kg/ha with 50 kg FYM and 100 kg neem cake per hectare. Fertigation for hybrids: 250:100:100 kg NPK/ha in split doses through the crop.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Ribbed gourd – Application of fertilizers; fertigation, pp. 86–87
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Snake gourd3 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Fertilizer

      Per pit: 10 kg FYM and 100 g of 6:12:12 NPK mixture as basal, then 10 g N per pit 30 days after sowing. Before the last ploughing, apply Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha each and Pseudomonas 2.5 kg/ha with 50 kg FYM and 100 kg neem cake per hectare. With fertigation: 75:100:100 kg NPK/ha in split doses, with 75% of the phosphorus as superphosphate at planting.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Snake gourd – Application of fertilizers; fertigation, pp. 84–85
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04

    • Fruit fly: non-chemical measures in the source

      Collect and destroy affected fruits. Fruit flies are fewest in hot weather and peak in the rainy season, so adjust the sowing time. Plough to expose the pupae. Set up cucurbit fruit-fly traps at 4 per acre. Neem oil 3% is also listed. Do not use copper or sulphur dust on these crops — they damage the plants.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Snake gourd – Plant protection (fruit fly), p. 85
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04

    • Nematode

      Apply neem cake at 30 g per plant as a spot treatment 10 days before sowing, and Pseudomonas fluorescens 2.5 kg/ha to the soil.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Snake gourd – Plant protection (nematode), p. 85
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Pumpkin3 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Fertilizer

      Per pit: 10 kg FYM and 100 g of 6:12:12 NPK mixture as basal, then 10 g N per pit 30 days after sowing. Before the last ploughing, apply Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha each and Pseudomonas 2.5 kg/ha with 50 kg FYM and 100 kg neem cake per hectare. With fertigation: 60:30:30 kg NPK/ha in split doses, with 75% of the phosphorus as superphosphate at planting.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Pumpkin – Application of fertilizers; fertigation, pp. 82–83
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04

    • Fruit fly: non-chemical measures in the source

      Collect and destroy affected fruits. Fruit flies are fewest in hot weather and peak in the rainy season, so adjust the sowing time. Plough to expose the pupae. Set up cucurbit fruit-fly traps at 4 per acre. Neem oil 3% is also listed. Do not use copper or sulphur dust on these crops — they damage the plants.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Pumpkin – Plant protection (fruit fly), p. 83
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04

    • Root-knot nematode

      Treat seed with Pseudomonas fluorescens at 50 g/kg, then apply 100 g per pit with 50 g neem cake or 50 kg FYM per pit.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Pumpkin – Plant protection (nematode), p. 83
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Ash gourd2 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Fruit fly: non-chemical measures in the source

      Collect and destroy affected fruits. Fruit flies are fewest in hot weather and peak in the rainy season, so adjust the sowing time. Plough to expose the pupae. Set up cucurbit fruit-fly traps at 4 per acre. Neem oil 3% is also listed. Do not use copper or sulphur dust on these crops — they damage the plants.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Ash gourd – Plant protection (fruit fly), p. 97
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04

    • Nematode

      Apply neem cake at 30 g per plant as a spot treatment 10 days before sowing, and Pseudomonas fluorescens 2.5 kg/ha to the soil.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Ash gourd – Plant protection (nematode), p. 97
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Cluster bean1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Pests and diseases: ask before you spray

      The source lists chemical treatments for leafhoppers, aphids, whitefly, ash weevils, leaf spot and powdery mildew (neem-based azadirachtin is listed for ash weevils). Choose any product only with your local Horticulture or Agriculture Officer.

      Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cluster bean – Plant protection, pp. 107–108
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-05
  • Dolichos bean1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Pests and diseases: ask before you spray

      The source lists chemical treatments for pod borer, sucking pests and powdery mildew (neem-based azadirachtin is listed for pod borer). Choose any product only with your local Horticulture or Agriculture Officer.

      Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Lab lab or Dolichos bean – Plant protection, p. 110
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-05
  • Capsicum1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Nursery and transplanting

      Seed rate: varieties 1.25 kg/ha, hybrids 200 g/ha; nursery area about 3 cents per hectare. In a protected nursery (50% shade net, insect-proof side net), sow one seed per cell in 98-cell protrays with cocopeat mixed with neem cake, Azospirillum and phosphobacteria. Transplant 40–45-day-old seedlings 30 cm apart on ridges 45 or 60 cm apart; with drip, use a 90 x 60 x 60 cm paired-row system on 120 cm raised beds. Fill gaps on the 7th day. (A chemical seed treatment is also listed — ask your officer.)

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Capsicum – Seed rate; nursery; protected nursery; preparation of field, pp. 78–79
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-05
  • Potato1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Pests and diseases: non-chemical measures in the source

      Cutworms: summer ploughing, light traps (7–10 pm), pheromone traps (8/acre), hand-collecting larvae, NSKE 5% or Bacillus thuringiensis 2 g/l. Tuber moth: healthy tubers planted 15 cm deep, pheromone traps (5/acre), earthing up, and covering stored seed tubers with lantana or eucalyptus branches. Nematodes: do not grow potato year after year in the same field. Late blight and brown rot: use disease-free seed, good drainage, and remove affected plants. Viruses: use virus-free seed and pull out affected plants.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Potato – Plant protection (non-chemical measures), pp. 135–137
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Tapioca1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Whitefly and mosaic: non-chemical measures in the source

      Mosaic spreads through whitefly. Take planting material only from healthy plants; remove the weed host Abutilon indicum; set yellow sticky traps (12/ha); use nitrogen carefully; avoid excess irrigation; do not keep the crop beyond its duration. Neem oil 3% is also listed. Papaya mealybug: release the parasitoid Acerophagus papayae (100 per acre). Tuber rot: avoid waterlogging and provide drainage; Trichoderma asperellum 2.5 kg/ha at planting and at the 3rd and 6th months.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Tapioca – Plant protection (whitefly, mosaic, mealybug, tuber rot), pp. 141–142
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Elephant foot yam1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Collar rot

      Caused by a soil fungus; waterlogging, poor drainage and injury at the collar favour it. Use disease-free planting material, remove infected plants, improve drainage, add neem cake, and apply Trichoderma harzianum 2.5 kg/ha mixed with 50 kg FYM. (A chemical soil drench is also listed — ask your officer.)

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Elephant foot yam – Diseases (collar rot), p. 144
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Turmeric1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Manure and fertilizer

      Recommended dose: 150:60:108 kg NPK per hectare. At planting: FYM 25 t/ha, neem or groundnut cake 200 kg/ha, 25:60:18 kg NPK, 30 kg FeSO4, 15 kg ZnSO4, and 10 kg each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria per hectare. Top-dress 25 kg N + 18 kg K per hectare on the 30th, 60th, 90th, 120th and 150th day. Spray 0.5% ZnSO4 and 1% FeSO4 + 0.1% citric acid on the 60th, 90th and 120th day.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Turmeric – Manuring, p. 172
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Coriander1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Diseases: biological measures in the source

      Powdery mildew: seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens 10 g/kg and sprays of 2 g/l, or NSKE 5% three times at 10-day intervals from the first sign. Wilt: seed treatment with Pseudomonas 10 g/kg and 2.5 kg/ha to the soil. Chemical options for aphids, powdery mildew and grain mould are also listed — ask your officer.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Coriander – Plant protection, p. 186
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-05
  • Fenugreek1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Root rot and powdery mildew

      Root rot: neem cake 150 kg/ha to the soil and seed treatment with Trichoderma asperellum 4 g/kg (or 5 kg/ha to the soil). Chemical drenches and sulphur options for root rot and powdery mildew are also listed — ask your officer.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Fenugreek – Plant protection, p. 188
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-05
  • Black pepper1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Foot rot and nematodes: biological measures in the source

      Foot rot in the nursery: mix Trichoderma asperellum or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 1 g per kg of pot mixture. In the field, packages applied twice (May–June and October–November) include neem cake 500 g per vine with Bordeaux paste on the stem up to 1 m, or Trichoderma 20 g per vine with FYM. Nematodes: Bacillus subtilis or Pseudomonas fluorescens 10 g per vine to the soil.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Pepper – Diseases (foot rot); nematode, pp. 166–167
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-05
  • Curry leaf1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Pests: bio-intensive measures in the source

      Citrus butterfly: collect and destroy larvae; Bacillus thuringiensis 1 g/l or neem oil 10 ml/l at new flush. Psyllids and leaf roller: yellow sticky traps (50/ha), a light trap (1/ha), releases of Trichogramma chilonis and Chrysoperla, NSKE 2.5% with mineral oil 0.25%, and border crops of sorghum or cowpea to keep natural enemies. Avoid sulphur sprays; a chemical leaf-spot spray is also listed — ask your officer.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Curry Leaf – Plant protection (bio-intensive IPM), pp. 158–159
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-05
  • Tamarind1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Irrigation and fertilizer

      Water once in seven days. Per tree per year: NPK 200:150:250 g with 25 kg FYM and 2 kg neem cake, in two splits — during the monsoon and at flowering and pod development.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Tamarind – Irrigation; fertilizers, p. 182
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-05
  • Banana2 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Pits and high-density planting

      Refill pits with topsoil mixed with 10 kg FYM and 250 g neem cake. For higher productivity, adopt high-density planting: 3 suckers per pit at 1.8 x 3.6 m (4600 plants per hectare) for Cavendish varieties, and 2 x 3 m (5000 plants per hectare) for Nendran.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Banana – Planting; high density planting, p. 8
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04

    • Nematodes, Panama wilt and Sigatoka: non-chemical measures

      Nematodes: sow sunnhemp on the 45th day and incorporate it a month later; apply pressmud 15 t/ha and neem cake 1.5 t/ha one month after planting; intercrop marigold at 4:1. Pseudomonas fluorescens liquid formulation at 4 l/ha through drip at the 2nd, 4th and 6th month manages Panama wilt and nematodes. Panama wilt: uproot and destroy badly affected plants and apply 1–2 kg lime in the pit. Sigatoka leaf spot: remove affected leaves and burn them.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Banana – Nematode; Panama disease; Sigatoka, pp. 11–12
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Guava1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Pests and nematodes: non-chemical measures

      Mealybug: release Cryptolaemus predatory beetles at 10 per tree. Fruit fly: collect and destroy fallen fruits and install methyl eugenol traps at 4 per acre. Neem oil 3% is listed against tea mosquito bug and fruit fly. Root-knot nematode spreads through infested planting material: use air layers and sterilised or soil-less media (vermiculite, coir pith) in the nursery, grow marigold around the basin, and apply Purpureocillium lilacinum 60 g with 5 kg FYM and 250 g neem cake per tree once in three months.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Guava – Plant protection (pests, nematodes), p. 29
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Papaya1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Ringspot virus, root rot and nematodes

      Papaya ringspot: raise seedlings in an insect-proof net house, grow two rows of maize as a border crop one month before transplanting, and apply 10 kg FYM per pit. Root rot appears in waterlogged areas, so good drainage is vital. Against nematodes, apply neem cake 250 g per plant or Pseudomonas fluorescens 4 g per plant.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Papaya – Plant protection (nematodes, root rot, ringspot), p. 34
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Pomegranate1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Fruit borer, aphids and nematodes: non-chemical measures

      Aphids: release green lacewing larvae (Chrysoperla) at 50 per flowering branch, four times at 10-day intervals from flower initiation. Fruit borer: remove the calyx where possible to discourage egg laying, cover fruits with neem-oil-dipped cloth bags during flowering, spray neem oil 3% or NSKE 5% when butterflies are active, and release Trichogramma chilonis at 1 lakh per acre at the marble stage. Root-knot nematode spreads through infested planting material: use air layers and sterilised or soil-less nursery media.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Pomegranate – Pests; nematode management, pp. 37–38
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Sapota2 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Planting

      Use grafts on Manilkara hexandra (pala) rootstock. Season of planting: June–December. Spacing: 8 x 8 m (156 plants per hectare) conventionally, or 8 x 4 m (312 plants per hectare) for high-density planting. Dig 1 x 1 x 1 m pits and fill with topsoil mixed with 10 kg FYM and 1 kg neem cake. Plant with the ball of earth intact, keep the graft joint at least 15 cm above the ground, and stake the plants. Legumes and short vegetables can be intercropped before bearing.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sapota – Planting material, season, spacing & planting, p. 31
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04

    • Tree care, bud worm and sooty mould

      Remove rootstock sprouts, water shoots, crossing and low branches. Bud worm: spray neem seed kernel extract 5%. Sooty mould: boil 1 kg of maida or starch in 5 litres of water, cool, dilute to 20 litres (5%) and spray on the leaves; avoid spraying in cloudy weather.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sapota – After cultivation; plant protection, pp. 31–32
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Sweet orange1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Pests and slow decline

      Neem seed kernel extract 5% and neem oil 3% are listed against sweet orange pests. For slow decline caused by the citrus root nematode, apply Pseudomonas fluorescens at 20 g per tree, 15 cm deep and 50 cm from the trunk.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sweet Orange – Pests; citrus root nematode, p. 18
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Acid lime1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Pests and diseases: non-chemical measures in the source

      NSKE 5%, neem cake extract 5% and neem oil 3% are listed for several pests. Fruit flies: bag fruits in degradable polythene bags punctured at the bottom. Tristeza virus: plant pre-immunized seedlings and remove and destroy infected trees. Slow decline from citrus root nematode: Pseudomonas fluorescens 20 g per tree, 15 cm deep and 50 cm from the trunk, once in four months.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Acid Lime – Plant protection (non-chemical measures), pp. 15–16
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Custard apple1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Manure and fertilizer per tree

      Per tree: FYM 10 kg, neem cake 1 kg, and N 250 g, P 125 g and K 250 g. Also apply 30 g each of Azotobacter, VAM and Azospirillum.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Minor fruits table – Annona, p. 53
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Jackfruit1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Propagation and planting

      Multiply by softwood or cleft grafting in July–August on 4-month-old seedling rootstocks. Dig 1 m pits, fill with topsoil mixed with 10 kg FYM and 1 kg neem cake, and plant grafts in June–December at 8 x 8 m. Irrigate weekly until established, then as needed. Manure in two splits (May–June and September–October); the yearly table in the source is not clearly printed, but FYM rises from 10 kg in year 1 to 50 kg per tree from year 6.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Jack – Propagation; preparation of field and planting; irrigation, p. 39
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-05
  • Watermelon2 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Fertilizer and weeding

      Basal: FYM 20 t/ha with P 55 and K 55 kg/ha; N 55 kg/ha 30 days after sowing. Before the last ploughing, apply Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha each and Pseudomonas 2.5 kg/ha with 50 kg FYM and 100 kg neem cake. Fertigation: 200:100:100 kg NPK/ha. Hoe and weed three times. (An Ethrel growth-regulator spray is also listed.)

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Watermelon – Application of fertilizers; fertigation; after cultivation, pp. 101–102
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-05

    • Fruit fly: non-chemical measures in the source

      Collect and destroy affected fruits. Fruit flies are fewest in hot weather and peak in the rainy season, so adjust the sowing time. Plough to expose the pupae. Set cucurbit fruit-fly traps at 4 per acre. Neem oil 3% is also listed. Do not use copper or sulphur dust on melons — they damage the plants.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Watermelon – Plant protection (fruit fly), p. 102
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-05
  • Muskmelon2 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Fertilizer and weeding

      Basal: FYM 20 t/ha and NPK 40:60:30 kg/ha; N 40 kg/ha 30 days after sowing. Before the last ploughing, apply Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha each and Pseudomonas 2.5 kg/ha with 50 kg FYM and 100 kg neem cake. Fertigation: 200:100:100 kg NPK/ha. Hoe and weed three times.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Muskmelon – Application of fertilizers; fertigation; after cultivation, pp. 103–104
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-05

    • Fruit fly: non-chemical measures in the source

      Collect and destroy affected fruits. Fruit flies are fewest in hot weather and peak in the rainy season, so adjust the sowing time. Plough to expose the pupae. Set cucurbit fruit-fly traps at 4 per acre. Neem oil 3% is also listed. Do not use copper or sulphur dust on melons — they damage the plants. Whitefly: neem seed kernel extract 5%.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Muskmelon – Plant protection, p. 105
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-05
  • Ber1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Fruit fly and scales: non-chemical measures in the source

      Fruit fly: collect fallen and infested fruits and bury them under a thick layer of soil; plough between trees to expose pupae; use methyl eugenol lure traps (25/ha); neem oil 30 ml/l is also listed. Scale insects: prune and burn affected parts. Chemical sprays for black leaf spot and powdery mildew are also listed — ask your officer.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Ber – Plant protection (pests), p. 40
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-05
  • Rose1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Pests: non-chemical measures in the source

      Rose chafer beetle: hand-pick the beetles during the day and destroy them. White grub: set up a light trap to attract the adult beetles. Red scale: rub off the scales with cotton soaked in kerosene, and cut and burn affected branches. Neem oil 3% is listed for thrips, aphids and leafhoppers.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Rose – Pests (non-chemical measures), pp. 248–249
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-05
  • Crossandra1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Irrigation and nutrition

      Irrigate once a week depending on weather. Tetraploids: FYM 25 t/ha basal; NPK 75:50:125 kg/ha three months after planting, repeated every six months for two more years. Delhi Crossandra: basal FYM 25 t/ha, gypsum 100 kg/ha, P 50 and K 100 kg/ha; 30 days after planting, neem cake 250 kg and N 40 kg/ha; then NPK 40:20:60 kg/ha at 90 days, repeated every three months for two years. For both: Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha each, mixed with 100 kg FYM, at planting.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Crossandra – Nutrition; biofertilizers; irrigation, p. 254
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Tuberose1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Nematodes: biological measures in the source

      Root-knot nematode: treat bulbs with Pochonia chlamydosporia at 1 kg/ha, then apply 2.5 kg/ha to the soil mixed with 100 kg FYM. Foliar nematode: soak bulbs overnight in neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) before planting.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Tuberose – Plant protection (nematodes), p. 260
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Cashew2 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Propagation and planting

      Propagate by softwood grafting, air layering or epicotyl grafting. For the nursery, soak seed nuts in water for 12–24 hours and use only those that sink. Dig 45 x 45 x 45 cm pits and fill with soil, 10 kg FYM and 1 kg neem cake. Spacing: 7 m each way (200 plants/ha); high-density planting at 5 x 4 m (500 plants/ha), pruning interlocking branches in July–August.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cashew – Seed treatment; propagation; preparation of field; spacing, p. 201
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04

    • Pests and diseases: non-chemical measures in the source

      Stem borer: collect and destroy affected shoots; remove grubs early; swab the trunk with neem oil 5% three times a year (January–February, May–June, September–October). Die-back (pink disease): prune affected shoots just below the affected part and apply Bordeaux paste.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cashew – Plant protection (non-chemical measures), pp. 202–203
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-04
  • Oil palm1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Pests and diseases: non-chemical measures in the source

      Rhinoceros beetle: trap adults with fermented castor cake or pheromone baits; use the bio-agents Baculovirus oryctes and Metarhizium anisopliae. Red palm weevil: remove damaged and rotten bunches, apply tar to wounds and cuts on the stem, and trap adults with pheromone baits. Basal stem rot: remove and destroy diseased palms and apply 5 kg neem cake per tree per year. Chemical treatments for the compost pit, bud rot and basal stem rot are also listed — ask your officer.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Oil Palm – Plant protection, p. 227
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-05
  • Tea1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Pests: non-chemical measures in the source

      Stem borer: locate the frass mat at the base of the bush, remove it, and push a thick wire into the bore hole to kill the larva. Tea mosquito bug: monitor regularly and remove alternate hosts such as neem, cashew and guava nearby. Neem-based azadirachtin is listed for thrips and mites. Chemical options for scales, thrips, aphids, mites, tea mosquito bug and blister blight are also listed — ask your officer.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Tea – Plant protection, p. 195
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-05
  • Cocoa1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Pests and diseases: non-chemical measures in the source

      Tea mosquito bug: monitor regularly and remove alternate hosts such as neem, cashew and guava. Mealybug: monitor, remove weed hosts like Parthenium, destroy infested parts, use neem oil 2% for light attacks, and release Cryptolaemus beetles (10 per tree). Stem canker and pink disease: remove or prune affected parts and apply Bordeaux paste. Chemical sprays and rodent baits are also listed — ask your officer.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cocoa – Plant protection, pp. 206–207
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-05
  • Mulberry (sericulture)1 recommendations
    Full guide for this crop →

    • Pests: non-chemical measures in the source

      Tukra (pink mealybug): cut and burn affected shoots, release predatory beetles (Cryptolaemus 750/ha or Scymnus 1000/ha) or Chrysoperla eggs (2500/ha), and spray neem oil 3% with a wetting agent. Thrips: neem oil 3% is also listed. Leaf webber: irrigate right after pruning. Chemical sprays with waiting periods before feeding leaves to silkworms are also listed — ask your Sericulture or Agriculture Officer.

      Pending expert review
      Source
      Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sericulture – Mulberry pest and disease management, p. 365
      Region
      Tamil Nadu
      Last updated
      2026-11-05