Whitefly-like Psyllids: The Enemy of Durian's Semi-Mature Leaves

Psyllids ("phlia kai chae")... the enemy of durian's semi-mature leaves. A plant's young leaves are its most delicate growing tissue, yet they are also the most important. When damaged by sap-sucking insects, photosynthesis and food production in the plant deteriorate. The psyllid is a type of sap-sucking insect that feeds by sucking sap from the young leaves, and it is most commonly found on durian leaves at the "sword-sheath" (fahk dab) stage. Psyllids tend to hide in the gaps between leaves to avoid chemical control efforts. A telltale sign of a psyllid infestation in the orchard is the presence of fine white filaments drifting through the air when the wind blows. The insects themselves are most commonly found on young leaves or leaves at the semi-mature (pesalad) stage.

Prevention and control of cottony psyllids: during the flowering stage, or the period when flower buds are opening, it is necessary to use a non-"hot" (mild) chemical for spraying. These include Abagaka at a rate of 200 cc per 200 litres of water, or Sambazu at a rate of 100 cc per 200 litres of water, or Pipos at a rate of 300 grams per 200 litres of water, or Banale at 200 cc per 200 litres of water.