White-Fly infestation threatens cultivation in SL

Colombo (News 1st) - The Coconut Research Institute says a white-fly infestation is spreading across Coconut and King Coconut cultivation in the wet-zone in the country. The CRI said the infestation is worse in the Kandy, Kegalle, Matale and Gampaha Districts adding dry weather conditions, low moisture in the soil and low humidity attributed to the spread of white-flies. Whiteflies inflict direct feeding injury on plants while sucking sap and damage plants by sucking the juices from new growth causing stunted growth, leaf yellowing and reduced yields. The Coconut Research Institute said dry weather in the country attributed to the rapid spread of white-flies and called on planters and cultivators to contact the CRI on 031 22 62 000 or 031 22 57 688 for information.