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Curry leaf (Murraya koeinigii) is commercially grown in Kayathar and Ottapidaram blocks of Tuticorin district in the southern part of Tamil Nadu, India. In the present study, the insecticide use pattern was investigated through a standard questionnaire and the residue on foliage was analyzed using QuEChERS method. Major pests reported by the farmers in this region were psyllids (Diaphorina citri) (93.33%) and whiteflies (Aleurodicus disperses) (84.44%) during the pre-monsoon season. It was revealed that curry leaf farmers relied mainly on insecticides for management of insect pests guided by local pesticide dealers and used as a cocktail mixture. Only 26.67 per cent of the farmers were aware of IPM options. Around 15 insecticides including four combination products were used in this region. The results of the residue analysis conducted on 30 farm-gate samples, show the presence of insecticide residues in 83.33 per cent of the samples. Though there is no MRL value available for curry leaf, the maximum level of residues was recorded in respect of profenophos (0.578 mg kg-1), Fenpropathrin (0.241 mg kg-1) and afidopyropen (0.197 mg kg-1). The results of the present study demand for the need of IPM awareness programme including educating the farmers and pesticide dealers on sensible use of recommended pesticides in curry leaf farming. So that curry leaf produced in this region can be are of pesticide-free. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nilgiri hills and adjoining downhill areas provide favourable ecological conditions for the propagation of haematophagous arthropods owing to richness in vegetation and animal activities. Astudy has been undertaken during 2008-2010 on the distribution and abundance of ticks of domestic animals in seven different biotopes. A total of 3,008 domestic animals were examined in areas ranging from an altitude of 300 to 2200 meters above mean sea level (MSL) of which 1,335 (44.5%) animals were having tick infestation. A total of 6,012 adult and immature ticks belonging to 12 species (11 ixodid and one argasid) were collected. Eleven tick species were collected from Kallar area situated downhill eastern slopes of the Nilgiris followed by Burliar area (7 species) located at higher altitudes. From Masinagudi area near to dense forests and scrub jungles, five species were recorded. However, at higher elevations on the hills, Udhagamandalam area, only one species was recorded. Among various tick species recorded in the study, Boophilus microplus was distributed in almost all areas surveyed followed by Haemaphysalis spinigera and Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The factors governing their distribution and epidemiological significance in the transmission of various tick-borne diseases of public health importance are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]