Introduction

The global population has grown from 3 billion in 1960 to nearly 6.8 billion in 2010, and the
United Nations (UN) predicts that the world’s population will reach 9.15 billion in the year 2050.
The global data available also indicated that there would be 1.7 million more people to be fed by
2030.

Providing adequate food for this growing population is a challenge that every nation has to face
despite biotic and abiotic constraints faced by the agriculture sector. In terms of crop production,
insect pests, nematodes weeds and pathogens have contributed significantly as the key biotic
elements that affect quality and quantity of crop yields globally, and Sri Lanka is no exception.

Many approaches have been adopted by the practitioners and scientists to overcome the negative
impacts of these important biotic constraints in agriculture from time immemorial. Among the
techniques used, an integrated approach has been found to be the most effective and
environmentally sensitive that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. The integrated
techniques used to manage insect pests, weeds and pathogens use current, comprehensive
information on the life cycles of the organisms and their interaction with the environment. This
information, in combination with available control methods, is used to manage the damages
caused by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and
the environment.

With the introduction of novel crop production strategies, the Sri Lankan crop production systems
have also faced new threats/outbreaks of insect pests, weeds and disease incidences, thus
highlighting the requirement of prioritizing plant/crop protection activities in the country to
support the crop production systems. Taking into account the need of the hour, the National
Priorities in Plant Protection has been formulated with a comprehensive process of stakeholder
consultations, to address national requirement and reorient plant protection research and
development thrusts, with a view to design and implement plant protection activities for the
benefit of the mankind.

The strategies outlined provide substantial coverage to cater to the nation’s requirement and to
address agriculture with a safer approach. In the document, the national priorities are divided into
plant pathology, weed science, agricultural entomology and nematology. Each section comprises
of the Vision, Mission, agents (insect pests/weeds/pathogen) of National Significance, an Action
Plan and a Strategic Research Plan with responsible institutes for addressing the related
objectives. The institutions in the National Agriculture Research Systems including universities,
and the private sector have been identified as responsible as well as collaborating organizations.

The objective would not only help strengthening collaborative research, but also acts as a guide to
the Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy (CARP), and the government as a whole
in the decision-making process to direct funds and for human resource development.

1
 National Strategy on Agricultural Entomology, Acarology and
Nematology

Priorities under Entomology, Acarology and Nematology in the agriculture sector of Sri Lanka
have been identified. An action Plan for National level Insects, Mites, Nematodes and other pest
Management in Agriculture has also been formulated.

1 Mission

Development of safe, effective, economically viable and environment friendly pest management
methods for the enhancement of Sri Lanka’s agricultural productivity.

2 Pests of National Significance

Pests of National Significance have been identified based on the scientific information available
and the research conducted by the Department of Agriculture, Department of Export Agriculture,
Plantation Crop Research Institutes (Tea, Rubber, Coconut, Sugarcane and cashew) and
Universities are listed below under different crop categories. Management of vertebrate pests of
higher orders should take as a national priority to develop a national policy.

(a) Rice:

Common Name Scientific Name

Leaf folder Cnaphalocrosismedinalis
Paddy bug Leptocorisaoratorius
Brown plant hopper Nilaparvatalugens
Nematodes Meloidegynesp.
Yellow stemborer Scirpophagaincertula
Rice sheath mite Steneotarsonomusspinki
Rice leaf mite Oligonychussp.
Hemitarsonemussp.
Rice thrips Stenchaetothripsbiformis
White-back Planthopper Sogatellafurcifera
Rodents Rattussp.
Bandicotasp.
Rice gall midge Orseolia oryzae

2
(b) Stored Grains and Pulses:

Common Name Scientific Name

Rice weevil Sitophilusoryzae
Lesser grain borer Rhyzoperthadominica
Angoumois grain moth Sitotrogacerealella
Red flour beetle Triboliumcastaneum,
T. confusum
Pulse beetle Callosobruchusmaculatus
C. chinensis
Maize weevil Sitophiluszeamais
Khapra beetle Trogodermagranarium
Cigarette beetle Lasiodermaserricorne
Drug store beetle Stegobiumpanicium
Rodents Rattussp.

(c) Field Crops:

1. Chilli leaf curl complex

Thrips (Scirtothripsdoarsalis)
Mites (Hemitarsonemuslatus)
Aphids (Aphis gossypii, Myzuspersicae)
Whiteflies(Bemisiatabaci)
2. Chilli pod borers (Helicoverpaarmigera and Spodopteralitura)
3. Onion thrips(Thripstabaci)
4. onion caterpillars (S. litura and S. exigua)
5. Onion bulb mite (Rhizoglyphus sp.)
6. Legume pod borers (Marucavitrata and H. armigera)
7. Bean fly (Ophiomyiaphaseoli)
8. Pod sucking bug (Nezaraviridula, Anaplocnemissp and Riptortussp)
9. Maize stem borer (Chilopartellus
10. Root knot nematode (Meloidogyne sp.)
11. White grub in groundnut
12. Aphids in groundnut (aphis craccivora
13. Thrips in groundnut (Scirtothrips spp. and Thrips palmi
14. Leaf webber in sesame Antigastra catalaunalis)

(d) Vegetables and Tuber Crops:

1. Root knot nematode (Meloidogynesp)

2. Melon flies (Bactocera cucurbitae and B. invadens)
3. Fruit flies
4. Thrips, whiteflies, leaf hoppers and aphids
5. Mites
6. Mealy bugs
3
 7. Scale insects
8. Leaf miner(Liriomyza sp.)
9. Cabbage caterpillar complex (Plutellaxylostella, Chrysodeixiseriosoma,
Hellulaundulalis, Crocidolomiabinotalis, S. litura)
10. Leaf hoppers (Amrasca sp.)
11. Fruit/ pod borers (H. armigera, Maruca. vitrata, Eariasvitella, Leucinodes
orbonalis)
12. White grubs (Anomalasp)
13. Cut worms (Agrotissp.)
14. Sweet potato weevil (Cylasformicarius)
15. Potato tuber moth (Phthorimaeaoperculella)
16. Potato cyst nematode (Globodera sp.)
17. Slugs and snails
18. Flea beetle
19. Aulacophora sp
20. Gall fly
21. Root maggot
22. Stem borers (brinjal, Thibbatu, winged bean)
23. Tree borer (Jack, bread fruit)

(e) Fruit Crops:

1. Fruit flies (Bactrocera dorsalis and other spp)

2. Mango hoppers (Idioscopusclypealis, I. nireosparus, Amritodusbrevistylus)
3. Banana weevils (Cosmopolitussordidus and Odioporuslongicollis)
4. Scale insects
5. Mealybugs
6. Root knot nematodes (Meloidegynesp.) and Root burrowing nematode (
Radopholussimilis)
7. Fruit borers
8. Mites
9. Thrips
10. Aphids
11. White grubs
12. Leaf miners
13. Fruit piercing moths (Educima fullonia)
14. Stem borers
15. Helopeltis bug (Helopeltis antoni)

(f) Cashew:

Common Name Scientific Name

Helopeltisbug Helopeltisantoni
Stem borer Plocaederusferrugeneus

4
 g) Export Agriculture Crops:

Common Name Scientific Name

Cinnamon wood boring moth Ichneumonipteracinnamomumi
Cardamom capsule and stem borer Dichocrosispunctiferalis
Coffee berry borer Hypothenemushampei
Pepper lace bug Diconocorisdistanti
Cocoa capsid bug Helopeltisceylonensis
Nematodes Meloidogyne sp.,
Pratylenchussp.,
Radopholussimilis
Cardamom thrips Seiothrips5ardamom
Shot hole borer Xyleborus sp.
Pepper wine borer Pterolophiaannulata
White grubs Anomala sp.
Cinnamon thrips
Vertebrate pests (pea cock, barking
deer, mouse deer)
Scale insects (cloves, nut meg and
Garcenia)

(h) Tea:

Common Name Scientific Name

Shot hole borer Xyleborusfornicatus
Up country live wood termite Postelectrotermesmilitaris

Low country live wood termites Glyptotermesdilatatus

Mites Oligonychuscofeae
Brevipalpuscalifornicus
Acaphyllatheae
Nematodes Pratylenchusloosi
Radopholussimilis
Made tea pests (cigarette beetle and Lasiodermaserricorne
dust mites)
Tea totrix Homonacoffearia
White grubs Holotrichia sp.
Anomala sp.
Microtrichiacostata

5
6
 (f) Coconut:

Common Name Scientific Name

Plesispa beetle Plesispa reichei
Coconut mite Aceria guerreronis
Black beetle Oryctus rhinoceros
Red weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus
Vertebrate pests -
(Wild boar, rats, bats, bandicoots,
porcupines, squirrels, monkeys)
Coconut black headed caterpillar Opisina arenosella

(j) Sugarcane:

Common Name Scientific Name

Sugarcane woolly aphid (c) Ceratovacunalanigera
Plant hopper Pyrillaperpusilla
Internode borer Chilosacchariphagus
Pink borer Sesamiainferans
Termites Odontermesredemani, O. ceylanicus,
O. horni, Copteotermesceylanicus,
Heterotermesceylanicus,
Nasutetermesceylanicus
Leaf hopper (vector of WLD/GSD)
Celtocephalusmenoni
Sugarcane spider mite
Nematodes Pratilenchuszeae
Melodogynesp.
Wild boar and elephants

(k) Rubber

Common Name Scientific Name

Cockchafer grubs 1. Lachnosterna (Holotrichia)
bidentata
2. Psilopholisvestita.
3. Leucopholisrorida
4. Leucopholisnummicudens
5. Leucopholistristis
6. Exopholishypoleuca
7. Lepidiota stigma

7
 (l) Plantation Forestry

Common Name Scientific Name

1. Black twig borer Xylosandruscompactus
2. Red Stem borer Zeuzeracoffeae
3. Eucalyptus gall wasp Leptocybeinvasa
4. Shoot borer (Mahagoni) Hypsipylarobusta
5. White grubs
6. Termites
7. Rodents
8. Scale insects
9. Mealybugs

(m) Floriculture

1. Thrips
2. Scales and mealy bugs
3. Whiteflies
4. Shoot and bud borers (Lepidopterans)
5. Mites
6. Nematodes: Rhadopholussimilis, Pratylenchus sp., Meloidogyne sp. Xiphenema
sp.
7. Aphids
8. Leaf miners
9. Leaf eating caterpillars

(e) Vertebrate pest management (monkey, simion, pea cock, wild boar, giant squirrels,
barking deer, bats, mouse deer, rodents, elephants, porcupine etc.

3. Action Plan for National Insect, mite and nematode Management in

Sri Lanka

Goal Objectives Strategies Responsibility

1 To reduce the To find Encourage crop All stakeholders, CARP
impact of solutions to the health/GAP based Faculties of Agriculture, DOA
insect pests problems of IPM strategies Faculties which involve studies in
of national established crop pests.
significance pests (insects,
(suppression mites and
of pest nematodes) Assessment of pest NPQS, DOA, SLCARP,FA, DEA,
levels) damages / modeling MA, Plantation crop research
and forecasting institute and faculties of
Universities

8
 To make use of Assessment of MA, FA, TRI, CARP,
biological natural enemy HORDI/DOA
agents complex in the field All stakeholders.
mandatory for to strengthen Faculties which involve studies in
insect pest Biological control crop pests.
management. as a tool of insect
pest management

To ensure use of Encourage judicious ROP, All stakeholders, CARP,

chemicals for use of chemical Faculties of Agriculture
pest pesticides All research institutes
management in (registration and de-
an registration)
environmentally
sound manner. To minimize risks ROP, ITI
associated with
pesticides, through Faculties which involve studies in
quality assurance crop pests.
and standards of
monitoring
pesticide use and
residues in food.
And by assessing
effects on Natural
enemy complex and
pollinators

Establishment To promote CARP

of breeding and breeding of resistant Research institutes, universities
cultivation of crop varieties. and stakeholders
resistant
varieties of
crops.

2 Prevent To have a strict Create awareness NPQS, PPS, Research and

emergence of mechanism for amongst and Extension wings of the Research
new pest practice of imports growers Institutes and Universities
problems. quarantine
regulations

Prevention of spread NPQS, PPS, Research and

within the country Extension wings of the Research
Institutes and Universities
Effective reporting NPQS, PPS, Research and
system Extension wings of the Research
Institutes and Universities

Adoption of speedy NPQS, PPS, Research and

control measures Extension wings of the Research
Institutes and Universities

9
 Periodical NPQS, PPS, Research and
monitoring system/ Extension wings of the Research
pest surveillance Institutes and Universities

3 Prevent To prevent Improvement of NPQS,CARP, Faculties of

Introduction introduction of National Reference Agriculture
of new pest new pest Collection and
species species Identification
Services at all ports
including revise the
import condition/
requirements.

Correct NPQS and relevant experts in Sri

identification of Lanka, Faculties of Agriculture
pests, plant
pathogens and
natural enemies and
identification of
future research.
Including
development of
suitable quarantine
treatments &
eradicate the pest.

Establishment of NPQS and relevant experts in Sri

identification Lanka, Faculties of Agriculture
services through
foreign
collaborations.

Strengthening of NPQS and relevant experts in Sri

NPQS laboratories Lanka

Create Improvement of NPQS and relevant experts in Sri

awareness on special & specific Lanka, Faculties of Agriculture
Pests among extension
farmers. programs.
Including
importers
treatment
customs.
Assessment of Improvement of DOA
pest damages reference insect All research institutes
collection for insect
identification
Development of NPQS and relevant experts in Sri
practical pest Lanka, Faculties of Agriculture
forecasting and
surveillance
methods.

10
Develop an NPQS and relevant experts in Sri
effective reporting Lanka
system.

NPQS and relevant experts in Sri

Lanka

11
 4. The Strategic Research Program on Agricultural Entomology, Acarology and
Nematology

(1) Establishment of National Reference Collection and Pest Identification Service

1. Establishment of a national identification unit.

2. Maintenance of identification keys.
3. Development of necessary human resources through training and scholarships.

Responsible Institute(s) National Plant Quarantine Service

Collaborating Institute(s) All institutes in the National Agricultural
Research System
Universities

(2) Assessment of Pest Damages

1. Carrying out a national survey on pest problems of crops and stored products.
2. Development of practical pest forecasting and surveillance methods
3. Studies on action threshold levels for economically-important pests
4. Studies on population dynamics of pests, natural enemies and pollinators

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Agriculture

Coconut Research Institute
Rubber Research Institute
Tea Research Institute
Department of Export Agriculture
Sugarcane Research Institute
Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(3) Prevention of Introduction of New Pests

1. Inclusion of exotic pests of quarantine importance in the reference collection.

2. Development of pest eradication methods.
3. Establishment of pest risk analysis methods.
4. Revise the impact requirements based on the pest risk analysis.

Responsible Institute(s) National Plant Quarantine Service

Collaborating Institute(s) National Agriculture Research System
Faculties of Agriculture

(4) Utilization of Biological and Non Chemical control Methods in Pest Management.

1. Biological control of pest management should be facilitated by CARP to the

NARS and made mandatory.
2. Evaluation of indigenous natural enemies of pests like thrips, mites, whiteflies,
scales, aphids, leaf miners and leafhoppers where no previous studies have been
carried out.
3. Mass of natural enemies for commercial use in pest management programs.
12
 4. Facilitation of mass culture and formulation of microbial pesticides for
commercial application.
5. Establishment of a central bio-control facility for sustainability of these
programs.
6. Training of technical personnel to undertake these activities.
7. Identification and formulation of Semio-chemical based pest management
strategies/ male annihilation techniques
8. Exploration of botanical based pest management strategies
9. Use of sterile insect techniques
Responsible Institute(s) Department of Agriculture
Collaborating Institute(s) All institutes in the National Agricultural
Research System
Faculties of Agriculture

(5) Judicious use of Chemical Pesticides.

1. Regularizing and monitoring of pesticide application. Including quarantine &

reshipment purpose.
2. Expansion of pesticide residue analysis facility at ROP as a national center for
residue analysis
3. Expansion of pesticide monitoring programmes in relation with the safety of
natural enemy complex and pollinators in the crop ecosystem.
4. Training of personnel involved with pesticide usage on correct application
techniques. Including make aware disposal methods & various products of
5. Chemical control with special reference to pesticide residue monitoring,
laboratory standards and agricultural product quality
6. Monitoring the pesticide resistance development of field populations of pests.

Responsible Institute(s) Registrar of Pesticides, National Plant

Quarantine Service
Collaborating Institute All institutes in the National Agricultural
Research System
Faculties of Agriculture

(6) Establishment of Breeding and Cultivation of Resistant Varieties of Crops

1. Acquisition of new genetic material for improvement of crop varieties.

2. Carrying out awareness programs among growers on management of resistant
varieties
3. Identification of landraces showing resistance to pests.

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) All institutes in the National Agricultural
Research System
Faculties of Agriculture

(7) Use of Molecular Biology Techniques in Plant Protection Research

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Agriculture

13
 Collaborating Institute(s) All institutes in the National Agricultural
Research System
Faculties of Agriculture

(8) Studies on Management of Nematodes

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Agriculture, Tea Research

Institute, National Plant Quarantine Service
Collaborating Institute(s) All institutes in the National Agricultural
Research System, Faculties of Agriculture

(9) Studies on Agricultural Biodiversity with respect to natural pest management

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Agriculture, Universities

Collaborating Institute(s) All Institutes in the National Agricultural
Research System
(10) Studies on stored-product (post-harvest) pests
Responsible Institute(s)
Faculties of Agriculture, Department of
Agriculture, All Institutes in the National
Agricultural Research System
11.Studies on climate change and effect on pests
12. Use of ecological engineering tools for pest management
13. Host range studies specifically foe newly emerged pests

14
 National Strategy on Plant Pathology

Priorities under plant pathology in the agricultural sector of Sri Lanka have been identified. An
action Plan for National Management Strategy of priority diseases has also been formulated.

1. Mission

To develop a National Plant Disease Strategy to reduce the detrimental impact of plant diseases
and achieve sustainable agricultural productivity in Sri Lanka.

2. Plant Diseases of National Significance

Plant Diseases of National Significance have been identified based on the scientific information
available and the efforts made in terms of research by the Department of Agriculture, Department
of Export Agriculture, Department of National Botanic Gardens, Forest Department, Institute of
Post Harvest Technology, Commodity Research Institutes (Tea, Rubber, Coconut and Sugarcane)
and Universities. Crop category based diseases of national significance have been identified and
listed below in alphabetical order.

(a) CEREAL CROPS

1. Rice grain discolouration

2. Rice brown spot disease
3. Sheath blight of rice
4. Bacterial blight of rice
5. Rice blast

(b) EXPORT AGRICULTURAL CROPS

1. Nutmeg leaf fall

2. Clover leaf blight & leaf fall
3. Bacterial leaf blight of beetle
4. Rhizome rot & bacterial wilt of ginger
5. Pepper yellow mottle virus (PYMV)
6. Cinnamon rough bark disease
7. Pepper yellowing/slowing
8. White root disease of cinnamon & nut meg
9. Quick wilt of pepper
10. Leaf blight disease of cinnamon
15
 11. Brown root disease of cinnamon

(c) FIELD CROPS

1. Chilli leaf curl virus

2. Anthracnose (chilli, onion)
3. Purple blotch of onion
4. Bacterial bulb rot of Onion
5. Fungal bulb rot of Onion
6. CMV of chilli
7. TSWV of chilli
8. Collar rot of chilli
9. Powdery mildew of chilli
10. Chilli narrow leaf disorder
Coarse grains

11. Maize sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani)

12. Maize erwinia stalk rot (E. crysanthemi)
13. Finger millet blast (Magnopothae grisea)
14. Aspergillus ear rot in maize
15. Maize rust (Puccinia polysora)

Legumes

1. Viral diseases (YMV, GNBNV)

2. Collar rot
3. Powdery mildew
4. Anthracnose
5. Purple seed stain of soybean

Oil crops
1. GNBN
2. Collar rot of ground nut
3. Early & late leaf spots of ground nut
4. Rust of GN
5. Phyllody of sesame

(d) HORTICULTURAL CROPS

(i) Vegetables, Root & Tubers

Viral Diseases

1. Cucurbits virus complex

2. Tomato virus complex (CMV, YLCV, TSWV,CTV)
3. Begamo viruses of bean/cucurbits
4. Capsicum virus complex
16
 5. Mosaic virus in manioc
6. Okra yellow vein mosaic virus

7. Leaf roll virus of potatoes

8. Bean yellowing (Horse Gram Yellow Mosaic Virus)

Phytoplasma diseases

1. Little leaf disease of Brinjal,

2. Phytoplasma disease of Cucurbits

Bacterial Diseases

1. Bacterial wilt (Erwinia sp./ Ralstonia sp., Solanaceae & Cucurbitaceae)

2. Bacterial rots (Erwinia sp. and Xanthomonas sp.)
3. Xanthomonas leaf spots
4. Common and netted scab of potato
5. Canker disease (Clavibacter michiganensis sp michiganensis) of tomato
6. Powdery scab of potato

Fungal Diseases

1. Early and Late blight of potato & tomato

2. Root & Collar rots bean, solanaceae, cucurbitaceae
3. Powdery and Downy mildew
4. Tomato anthracnose
5. White rust (Albugo sp), Cercospora and other leaf spots/diseases of leafy
vegetables
6. Anthracnose of capsicum and bean
7. Rust of bean
8. Botrytis mold of lettuce, capsicum and Tomato
9. Leaf Spot diseases in Capsicum and Bean

(ii) Fruits

Viral diseases

1. Papaya ring spot virus disease

2. Banana bunchy top virus disease
3. Pineapple wilt
4. Citrus greening

Phytoplasma diseases

1. Papaya phytoplasma

Fungal diseases

17
 1. Panama disease of banana and fungal rot of banana
2. Anthracnose of guava, mango, pomegranate, papaya, avocado, passion fruit,
cashew, dragon fruit, grapes, strawberry
3. Phytopthora & Phythium root rots/dieback of Papaya, Jack, Guava, Durian
4. White root disease of Durian, Jack
5. Sigatoka & Codana disease of banana (leaf disease of banana)
6. Powdery mildew of Rambutan
7. Downy mildew of grapes
8. Dragon fruit-stem spots
9. Botrytis mold of strawberries, grapes

Bacterial diseases

1. Bacterial fruit blotch of water melon

2. Bacterial canker of citrus

(iii) Floricultural Crops

1. Bacterial blight of Anthurium

2. Downy and powdery mildews and black spot of roses
3. Rust of cut flowers
4. Bacterial wilt of cut flowers, ornamental plants and foliages
5. Fungal leaf spots, root and collar rots of all flower plants
6. Bacterial leaf spots
7. Fusarium and Phytophthora rots on Gerberra & Fusarium rot in Carnation
8. Fusarium rots in flower spike of orchids
9. Botrytis spotting in flower petals
10. Virus diseases of cut flowers and foliage plants

(e) PLANTATION CROPS

(i) Coconut

1. Weligama coconut leaf wilt disease

2. Crown, stem and bole diseases of coconut(bud rot, leaf blight, stem bleeding,
Ganoderma root & bole rot)

(ii) Rubber

1. White root disease

2. Corynespora leaf fall disease
3. Phytopthora diseases
4. Patch canker disease
5. Brown Root Disease

(iii) Sugarcane

1. White leaf disease

2. Smut disease
3. Leaf scald
18
 4. Yellow led Syndrome

(iv) Tea

1. Blister blight of tea

2. Canker diseases of tea
3. Bush dieback

3. Action Plan for National Plant Disease Management in Sri Lanka

Goal Objectives Strategies Responsibility

1 To prevent the To ensure early Develop SCPPC, HORDI, RRDI,
introduction and detection of technologies for FCRDI. Crops Research
spread of new pathogen/ causal rapid and precise Institutes.
diseases and proper agent identification of
implementation of pathogens.
post quarantine
measures.
Collection and SCPPC, HORDI, RRDI,
maintenance of FCRDI, Crop Research
reference cultures Institute
of plant pathogens
(fungi and bacteria)
for research studies
and identification.

To upgrade Promotion of export SCPPC, All stakeholders.

phytosanitary /import of pest free Crops Research institutes
measures to commodities.
international
standards Improving All stakeholders,
awareness among PP/CARP
people at all levels.

2 To reduce the impact To apply integrated Encourage research CARP, FA, DOA, Crops
of diseases of and cost effective on disease Research Institutes.
national disease management management and
significance. techniques to solve controlled
the problems of agriculture.
established and new
pathogens. Disease
monitoring &
Forecasting with
special reference to Improving All stakeholders,
climate change awareness among PP/CARP
people at all levels.

19
3 To provide the To strengthen Capacity building All stakeholders,
framework and national research, PP/CARP
capacity for education and
management of training capacity to
diseases of national ensure cost
significance. effective, efficient Provide financial CARP
and sustainable assistance.
disease
management.

To encourage the Develop a All stakeholders, CARP.

development and coordinated
implementation of mechanism to
strategic plans for implement disease
disease management management
at all levels. strategies.

Define the role of PP/CARP

stakeholders in
disease management
programmes.

Adopt a Reward CARP

scheme.

20
4. The Strategic Research Programme on Plant Pathology
2 Action Plan for National Disease Management Strategies for Sri Lanka

(a) CEREAL CROPS

(1) Management of grain discolouration of rice with emphasis on;

1. Studies on grain discolouration and sterility in relation/with reference to different

cultivation methods and different environment conditions.
2. Screening of fungicides for effective application with minimum MRLs.

Responsible Institute(s) RRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(2) Integrated Management of sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani) of rice with special
emphasis on biological, agronomic, chemical methods and plant extract based bio
pesticides.

Responsible Institute(s) RRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(3) Management of bacterial leaf blight disease in rice with emphasis on;

1. Identification of resistant varieties.

2. Identification of resistant genes and incorporation into new varieties.

Responsible Institute(s) RRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(4) Management of rice blast disease with special emphasis on;

1. Identification of resistant genes and incorporation into new varieties.

2. Studies on disease management under different agronomic and management
methods, and environmental conditions.
3. Identification of suitable, environmentally friendly fungicides.

Responsible Institute(s) RRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(5) Management of rice brown spot disease

1. Identification of resistant genes and incorporation into new varieties.

21
 2. Studies on disease management under different agronomic and management
methods, and environmental conditions.
3. Identification of suitable, environmentally friendly fungicides.

Responsible Institute(s) RRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(b) FIELD CROPS

Coarse grain
(1) Integrated Management of sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani) of maize with special
emphasis on biological, agronomic, chemical methods and plant extract based bio
pesticides.

Responsible Institute(s) FCRD/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture
(2)Management of Erwinia stalk rot of maize (E. chrysanthemi pv. zeae)

1. Study of appropriate management methods special emphasis on biological &

agronomic control methods
2. Selection/screening of resistant varieties to E. chrysanthemi
3. Breeding for resistance to E. chrysanthemi

Responsible Institute(s) FCRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(3) Management of finger millet blast disease;

1. Identification of resistant sources.

2. Breeding for resistant
3. Studies on disease management under different agronomic and biological
management methods, and environmental conditions.

Responsible Institute(s) FCRD/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

i. Management of Aspergillus ear rot and aflatoxin production in maize with special
emphasis on;

1. Identification of different isolates of Aspergillus sp.

2. Selection of resistant varieties to Aspergillus sp. and aflatoxin production.
3. Studies on storage conditions on growth of Aspergillus sp.
4. Awareness programmes to mobilize the grower/producer to adopt improved post
harvest technologies to minimize aflatoxin contaminations.

Responsible Institute(s) FCRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(4) Management of maize rust;

22
 1. Breeding for resistant
4. Studies on appropriate disease management methods

Responsible Institute(s) FCRD/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture
Condiments

(1) Management of Chilli Leaf Curl Virus (CLCV) with special emphasis on;
1. Identification of viruses/vectors involved
2. Management through vector control
3. Identification of resistant genes and incorporation into new varieties
4. Integrated disease management approaches
5. Breeding for resistance to leaf curl virus complex
6. Use of novel technologies

Responsible Institute(s) FCRDI/PVIC/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(2) Anthracnose of (chilli, onion)

1. Identification/recommendation of appropriate management practices

2. Screening of suitable, environmentally friendly fungicides with low MRLs
3. Identification/screening of resistant sources

Responsible Institute(s) FCRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(3) Management of Onion Purple Blotch

1. Selection of resistant varieties for purple blotch

2. Identification of environmentally friendly fungicides
3. Identification of appropriate management practices

Responsible Institute(s) FCRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(4) Management of bacterial bulb rot of onion

1. Selection of resistant varieties
2. Identification / recommendation of appropriate management practices

Responsible Institute(s) FCRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(5) Management of fungal Bulb Rot of Onion

23
 1. Selection of resistant varieties for onion bulb rot
2. Efficacy of cultural practices
3. Screening of environmentally friendly fungicides

Responsible Institute(s) FCRDI/PVIC/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(6) Management of CMV of chili

1. Identification of viruses/vectors involved
2. Management through vector control
3. Selection of resistant varieties for virus diseases
4. Acquisition of resistant varieties from other countries
5. Identification of resistant genes and incorporation into new varieties
6. Introduction of Integrated disease management approaches
7. Identification of resistance to virus diseases in grain legumes
8. Identification of Impact of different agronomic practices; intercropping, mixed
cropping, crop rotation, etc in reducing virus diseases in grain legumes

Responsible Institute(s) FCRDI/PVIC/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(7) Management of TSWV of chili

1. Identification of viruses/vectors involved
2. Management through vector control
3. Selection of resistant varieties for virus diseases
4. Acquisition of resistant varieties from other countries
5. Identification of resistant genes and incorporation into new varieties
6. Introduction of Integrated disease management approaches
7. Identification of resistant varities
8. Identification of Impact of different agronomic practices; intercropping, mixed
cropping, crop rotation,

Responsible Institute(s) FCRDI/PVIC/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(8) Management of Collar rots of chilli

1. Selection of resistant varieties for collar rots of chilli

2. Identification of cultural practices in reducing collar rots of chilli
3. Identification of environmentally friendly fungicides

Responsible Institute(s) FCRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(9) Management of powdery mildew of chilli

4. Selection of resistant varieties for purple blotch
5. Identification of environmentally friendly fungicides
6. Identification of appropriate management practices
24
 Responsible Institute(s) FCRDI/Department of Agriculture
Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(10) Management of Chilli Narrow leaf disorder (NLD)

1. Identification of causal agent, using molecular based techniques

2. Integrated disease management approaches in reducing NLD
Breeding for NLD resistance
Responsible Institute(s) FCRDI/Department of Agriculture
Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

Legumes
(1) Management of viral diseases (YMV, GNBNV)
1. Identification of viruses/vectors involved
2. Management through vector control
3. Selection of resistant varieties for virus diseases
4. Acquisition of resistant varieties from other countries
5. Identification of resistant genes and incorporation into new varieties
6. Introduction of Integrated disease management approaches
7. Identification of resistance to virus diseases in grain legumes
8. Identification of Impact of different agronomic practices; intercropping, mixed
cropping, crop rotation, etc in reducing virus diseases in grain legumes

Responsible Institute(s) FCRDI/PVIC/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(2) Management of Collar rots of legumes

1. Selection of resistant varieties for collar rots

2. Identification of cultural practices in reducing collar rots
3. Identification of environmentally friendly fungicides

Responsible Institute(s) FCRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(3) Management of powdery mildew

7. Selection of resistant varieties
8. Identification of environmentally friendly fungicides
9. Identification of appropriate management practices

Responsible Institute(s) FCRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(4) Management of Anthracnose of

1. Identification/recommendation of appropriate management practices

2. identification of suitable, environmentally friendly fungicides with low MRLs
3. Identification/screening of resistant sources
25
 Responsible Institute(s) FCRDI/Department of Agriculture
Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(5) Management of purple seed stain of soya bean

1. Identification/recommendation of appropriate management practices

2. Identification of suitable, environmentally friendly fungicides with low MRLs
3. Identification/screening of resistant sources

Responsible Institute(s) FCRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

Oil crops
(1) Management of GNBNV
1. Identification of viruses/vectors involved
2. Management through vector control
3. Selection of resistant varieties for virus diseases
1. Acquisition of resistant varieties from other countries
5. Identification of resistant genes and incorporation into new varieties
6. Introduction of Integrated disease management approaches
7. Identification of resistance to virus diseases in grain legumes
8. Identification of Impact of different agronomic practices; intercropping, mixed
cropping, crop rotation, etc in reducing virus diseases

Responsible Institute(s) FCRDI/PVIC/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(2) Management of Collar rots of oil crops

4. Selection of resistant varieties for collar rots

5. Identification of cultural practices in reducing collar rots
6. Identification of environmentally friendly fungicides

Responsible Institute(s) FCRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(3) Management of early and late leaf spots of GN

Selection of resistant varieties
Identification of environmentally friendly fungicides
Identification of appropriate management practices

Responsible Institute(s) FCRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(4) Management of rust of GN

1. Identification/recommendation of appropriate management practices

2. identification of suitable, environmentally friendly fungicides with low MRLs
3. Identification/screening of resistant sources
26
 Responsible Institute(s) FCRDI/Department of Agriculture
Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(5) Management of phyllody sesame

1. Identification/recommendation of appropriate management practices

2. Identification of suitable, environmentally friendly fungicides with low MRLs
3. Identification/screening of resistant sources

Responsible Institute(s) FCRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(c) HORTICULTURAL CROPS

(i) Vegetable, Root & Tuber Crops:

Viral Diseases

(1) Management of Cucurbit and capsicum virus complex .

(2) Management of Tomato virus complex (CMV, YLCV, TSWV,CTV)
(3) Management of Begomo viruses of beans
(4) Management of mosaic virus of Manioc
(5) Management of Okra yellow vein mosaic virus
(6) Management of leaf roll virus of Potato
1. Development of IDM Package
2. Use of bio-control

Responsible Institute(s) HORDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

Phytoplasma diseases

(1) Management of Papaya phytoplasma disease

1. Introduction/development of resistant varieties
2. Screening for disease resistance
3. Identification of resistance genes
4. Integrated management through vector control

Responsible Institute(s) HORDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

Bacterial Diseases

(1) Management of Bacterial wilt diseases (Erwinia sp./ Ralstonia sp.) of

Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae crops
(2) Management of Bacterial rots (Erwinia sp. and Xanthomonas sp.)
(3) Management of Xanthomonas leaf spots
(4) Management of Common and netted scab of potato

27
 (5) Management of Tomato Canker disease (Clavibacter michiganensis sp
michiganensis)
Use of Biocontrol agents, biopesticides, botanicals

1. Study of appropriate management methods

2. Selection/screening of resistant varieties to Erwinia sp., Ralstonia sp. &
Xanthomonas spp.
3. Incorporation of organic matter
3. Study of IDM strategies

Responsible Institute(s) HORDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

Fungal Diseases

(1) Management of Early and Late Blight of Potato & Tomato

1. Study of different strains of blight causing fungi (Phytophthora & Alternaria)

2. Screening of resistant varieties
3. Screening of environmentally friendly fungicides
4. Development of disease forecasting models

Responsible Institute HORDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institutes Faculties of Agriculture

(2) Management of Potato Powdery scab (Spongospora sp.)

1. Screening of resistant varieties

2. Screening of environmentally friendly fungicides
4. Field sanitary measures
5. Post harvest disease management

(3) Management of tomato anthracnose

a. Study of the prevalence of the disease
b. Identification of the strains of the pathogen
c. Investigation of proper management methods

Responsible Institute(s) Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna

Collaborating Institute(s) Department of of Agriculture

(4) Management of Root & Collar rots: bean, solanaceae, cucurbitaceae

1. Changes of soil chemical / physical properties

2. Incorporation of organic amendments
3. Use of bio-control agents
4. Screening of environmentally friendly fungicides

28
 Responsible Institute(s) HORDI/Department of Agriculture
Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(5) Management of Powdery and Downy mildew in vegetables

1. Development of resistant varieties

2. Use of IDM strategies
3. Screening of environmentally friendly fungicides
4. Use of botanicals

Responsible Institute(s) HORDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(6) Management of white rust (Albugo sp), Cercospora and other leaf spots/diseases of
leafy vegetables

2. Development of resistant varieties

3. Screening of environmentally friendly fungicides and botanicals
4. Incorporation of organic matter and cultural practices

Responsible Institute HORDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institutes Faculties of Agriculture

(7) Management of Anthracnose of capsicum and bean

1. Development of resistant varieties

2. Screening of environmentally friendly fungicides ,botanicals and microbial-
pesticides
3.
4. Incorporation of organic matter and cultural practices

Responsible Institute HORDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institutes Faculties of Agriculture

(8) Management of Rust of bean

1. Development of resistant varieties

2. Screening of environmentally friendly fungicides and botanicals
3. Incorporation of organic matter and cultural practices

Responsible Institute HORDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institutes Faculties of Agriculture

(9) Botrytis mold of lettuce

1. Development of resistant varieties

2. Screening of environmentally friendly fungicides , botanicals and microbial -
pesticides
3. Incorporation of organic matter and cultural practices

Responsible Institute(s) HORDI/Department of Agriculture

29
 Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(9) Management of club root disease of cabbage

1. Improvement of farmer adaptation of the available management package

2. Introduction of resistant varieties
3. Screening of environmentally friendly fungicides and botanicals
4. Incorporation of organic matters and cultural practices

Responsible Institute(s) HORDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(ii) Fruit crops:

Viral diseases

(1) Management of Papaya ring spot virus

1. Development of resistant/tolerant varieties

2. Cultural methods and nutrient management
3. Integrated approaches in disease management

Responsible Institute(s) FRDI/PVIC/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(2) Management of Banana bunchy top viral (BBTV) disease

1. Production of virus free planting material

2. Methods on early detection of BBTV
3. Integrated approaches in disease management
4. Vector control

Responsible Institute(s) FRDI/PVIC/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(3) Management of Pineapple wilt viral disease

1. Production of virus free planting material

2. Methods on virus diagnosis
3. Integrated approaches in disease management
4. Vector control

Responsible Institute(s) FRDI/PVIC/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(4) Management of Citrus greening viral disease

1. Production of disease free mother plants/planting materials

2. Development of resistant varieties
30
 3. Cultural control

Responsible Institute(s) FRDI/PVIC/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(5) Management of Passion Fruit Virus

Development of resistant varieties
Cultural control

Responsible Institute(s) FRDI/PVIC/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(6) Management of Banana Black Mosaic Virus and CMV

Development of resistant varieties
Cultural control

Responsible Institute(s) FRDI/PVIC/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(7) Management of Root Disease of Pineapple

Development of resistant varieties
Cultural control

Responsible Institute(s) FRDI/PVIC/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

Phytoplasma diseases

(1) Management of Papaya phytoplasma

1. Production of disease free mother plants/planting materials

2. Development of resistant varieties
3. Cultural control

(2) Management of phytoplasma in Avacado

1.Production of disease free mother plants/planting materials

2.Development of resistant varieties
3. Cultural control

Fungal diseases

(1) Panama disease of banana and fungal rot of banana

1. Selection of resistant clones/cultivars

2. Use of cultural and bio-control methods
3. Integrated Disease Management

Responsible Institute(s) FRDI/Department of Agriculture

31
 Collaborating Institutes Faculties of Agriculture

(2) Anthracnose of Guava, Mango, Pomegranate, Papaya, Avocado, Passion fruit, Dragon
fruit, Grapes, Strawberry

1. Development of resistant varieties

2. Development of tree management systems
3. Screening of environmentally friendly fungicides and botanicals
4. Introduction of cultural practices

Responsible Institute FRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institutes Faculties of Agriculture

(3) Development of management systems for Phytopthora & Phythium root rots/dieback
of Papaya, Jak, Guava and Citrus

1. Selection of resistant cultivars

2. Use of cultural and bio-control methods
3. Integrated Disease Management
4. Resistant rootstocks
5. Screening fungicides

Responsible Institute(s) FRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(4) Development of management systems for White root disease of Durian, Jak, Rambutan
and Anona

1. Selection of resistant cultivars

2. Use of cultural and bio-control methods
3. Integrated Disease Management

Responsible Institute(s) FRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(5) Management of Sigatoka & Codana diseases of Banana (leaf diseases of banana)

1. Selection of resistant clones/cultivars

2. Screening of environmentally friendly fungicides
3. Use of cultural and bio-control methods
4. Integrated Disease Management

Responsible Institute(s) FRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institutes Faculties of Agriculture

(6) Management of Powdery mildew of Rambutan and Citrus

1. Screening of fungicides and time of application

2. Testing of plant extract based products against the pathogen
3. Cultural control

32
 Responsible Institute(s) FRDI/Department of Agriculture
Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(7) Management of Downy mildew of grapes

1. Screening of low residue fungicides and time of application

2. Testing of botanicals
3. Cultural control

Responsible Institute(s) FRDI/HORDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(8) Management of Dragon fruit-stem spots

1. Screening of environmentally friendly fungicides and time of application

2. Testing of botanicals
3. Cultural control

Responsible Institute(s) FRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(9) Botrytis mold of strawberries, grapes

1. Screening of low residue fungicides and time of application

2. Testing of botanicals
3. Cultural control

Responsible Institute(s) HORDI/FRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(10) Management of Scab Disease of Citrus

1. Screening of environmentally friendly fungicides and time of application

2. Testing of botanicals
3. Cultural control

Responsible Institute(s) FRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(11) Management of Collar Rot Disease of Passionfruit

1. Screening of environmentally friendly fungicides and time of application

2. Testing of botanicals
3. Cultural control

Responsible Institute(s) FRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(12) Management of Guava Wilt Disease

1. Screening of environmentally friendly fungicides and time of
application
33
 2. Testing of botanicals
3. Cultural control

Responsible Institute(s) FRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

Bacterial diseases

(1) Management of Bacterial fruit blotch of water melon and Erwinia Root Rot of Banana

1. Study of appropriate management methods

2. Selection/screening of resistant varieties
3. Adoption of cultural methods
4. Study of IDM strategies

Responsible Institute(s) HORDI/FRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(2) Management of Bacterial canker of citrus

1. Study of appropriate management methods

2. Selection/screening of resistant varieties
3. Adoption of cultural methods
4. Study of IDM strategies

Responsible Institute(s) FRDI/Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(iii) Floricultural crops:

(1) Management of Bacterial blight of Anthurium

(2) Management of Bacterial wilt of cut flowers, ornamental plants and foliages

1. Screening of varieties against bacterial blights and rots

2. Induction of resistance to bacterial diseases
3. Development of cultural control packages to manage bacterial blights & wilts
4. Use of botanicals and microbial bio control agents to manage bacterial pathogens

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Botanic Gardens /Department

of Agriculture
Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(3) Management of Downy and powdery mildews of roses

(4) Management of Rust of cut flowers
(5) Management of Fungal leaf spots, root and collar rots of all potted flowering plants
(6) Management of Bacterial leaf spots

34
 1. Epidemiological studies
2. Development of a disease management package for poly tunnels
3. Identification of causal organisms of above important diseases and
recommendation of environmentally friendly pesticides
4. Development of methods to minimize post-harvest diseases of flowers and cut
foliage

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Botanic Gardens /Department

of Agriculture
Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(7) Management of Fusarium rots on Gerberra & Carnation

(8) Management of Fusarium rots in flower spike of orchids
(9) Management of Botrytis spotting in flower petals

1. Development of cultural and disease management packages

2. Identification of least toxic chemicals to manage cut foliage diseases
3. Development of methods to minimize post-harvest diseases of cut foliage
4. Development of methods to minimize post-harvest diseases of flowers and cut
foliage

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Botanic Gardens /Department

of Agriculture
Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(10) Management of Viral diseases of cut flowers and foliage plants

1. Vigilance of viral diseases cut flowers & foliage

2. Prevention of spread of viral diseases of cut flowers & foliage
3. Elimination of viral diseases cut flowers & foliage
4. Introduction and multiplication of resistant cultivars

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Botanic Gardens /Department

of Agriculture
Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(d) PLANTATION CROPS

(i) Coconut

(1) Management of Weligama coconut leaf wilt disease (WCLWD)

1. Develop a readily diagnostic method for identification of diseased palms

2. Determine vectors transmitting the disease and develop management strategies
for those insects
3. Develop tolerant / resistant varieties to the disease
4. Determine spread pattern of the disease
5. Determine the impact of the disease on economy

Responsible Institute(s) Coconut Research Institute

35
 Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture and Science,
Department of agriculture

(2) Management of Crown, stem and bole diseases of coconut (bud rot, leaf blight, stem
bleeding, Ganoderma root & bole rot)

1. Recommendation of effective management strategies

2. Screening of environmentally friendly new fungicides

Responsible Institute(s) Coconut Research Institute

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(ii) Rubber

1. Management of white root disease

1) Screening of potential fungicides to identify effective chemicals for the management
of the disease
2) Introduction of advance application technologies for the management of the disease
3) Screening of clonal materials to select a resistant root stock towards white root disease
4) Establishment of the disease distribution – survey and to assess the economic impact
5) Studies on the introduction & improvement of biological control measures against
white not disease

Responsible Institute(s) Rubber Research Institute

Collaborating Institute(s) Agriculture Faculties

2. Management of Corynespora leaf fall disease

1) Studies on the disease distribution and the biology of new pathogen population
2) Screening of clones against CLFD to identify disease resistant clones
3) Development of management strategies against Corynespora leaf fall disease
4) Identification of alternative hosts of C cassiicola to avoid cross inoculation abilities

Responsible Institute(s) Rubber Research Institute

Collaborating Institute(s) Agriculture Faculties

3. Management of phytophthora disease

1) Studies on the new pathogen population
2) Introduction of subtitute chemicals to control the phytophthora bark rot disease
3) Screening of clones against phytophthora leaf disease and phytophthora bark rot.

Responsible Institute(s) Rubber Research Institute

Collaborating Institute(s) Agriculture Faculties
4.

Management of Patch Canker disease

1) Identification of the associated pathogens of the rot condition – Patch Canker
2) Identification of possible pre-disposing factors of the disease
36
 3) Screening of chemicals to unholy the disease
4) Studies an the life of the pathogen

Responsible Institute(s) Rubber Research Institute

Collaborating Institute(s) Agriculture Faculties

Management of Brown disease

1) Establishment of disease distribution – Survey
2) Collection of the new pathogen population and studying the biology of pathogen
3) Improvement of management strategies

Responsible Institute(s) Rubber Research Institute

Collaborating Institute(s) Agriculture Faculties

(iii) Sugarcane

(1) Management of White leaf disease

1. Screening for phytoplasma disease resistance

2. Studies on vector management
3. Development of novel and rapid technologies for supplying healthy seed
cane for WLD

Responsible Institute(s) Sugarcane Research Institute

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture & Science

(3) Management of Smut disease

(Include both newly-bred varieties & germplasm screening for smut)

1. Screening for smut disease resistance

2. Development of novel and rapid technologies for supplying healthy seed cane

Responsible Institute(s) Sugarcane Research Institute

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture & Science

(4) Management of Leaf scald disease

Newly-bred verities & germplasm screening

1. Screening for leaf scald disease resistance

Responsible Institute(s) Sugarcane Research Institute

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture & Science

(iv) Tea

(1) Development of high yielding tea cultivars with resistance to blister blight disease

37
 1. Screening of High productive biotics from old seedling tea fields
2. Screening of Progenies coming from the plant breeding programmes
3. Use of quick, reliable and advanced screening techniques

Responsible Institute(s) Tea Research Institute

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(2) Screening of environmentally friendly approaches in the management of blister

blight disease

1. Bio-efficacy of low toxic fungicides against Exobasidium vexans

2. Bio-efficacy of low toxic new fungicides against non-target friendly organisms
(fungi)
3. Natural defense elicitor/inducer and bio control of E. vexans
4. Monitoring/establishing acceptable residue levels of new fungicides

Responsible Institute(s) Tea Research Institute

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(3) Development of high yielding tea cultivars with resistance to canker diseases

1. Screening of High productive biotics from old seedling tea fields

2. Screening of Progenies coming from the plant breeding programme
3. Use of quick, reliable and advanced screening techniques

Responsible Institute(s) Tea Research Institute

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(4) Management of Bush dieback of selected cultivars/regions

1. Establishing the causes of bush debilitation and die back

2. Develop management strategies to contain bush debilitation/die back

Responsible Institute(s) Tea Research Institute

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture
(v) Nuts

(1) Management of Cashew Inflorescence die-back

1. Identification of causative agents and associated factors in the development of

inflorescence die-back of cashew
2. Effective management of cashew die back

Responsible Institute(s) Cashew Corporation of Sri Lanka

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(e) EXPORT AGRICULTURAL (SPICE) CROPS

(1) Management of Cloves & Nutmeg, leaf blight & leaf fall
38
 1. Establishing the causes/identity of the causal organisms
2. Integrated approach to contain the disease/s

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Export Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(2) Management of Bacterial leaf blight of betel

1. Screening of local betel cultivars for disease resistance

2. Induction of variation and selection for resistance
3. Development of cultural control practices
4. Development of environmentally friendly chemical control methods
5. Use of plant extracts for the control of bacteria

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Export Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(3) Management of Rhizome rot & bacterial wilt of ginger

1. Identification of causal agent/s and associated factors in the development of the

diseases
2. Identification of suitable management practices

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Export Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(4) Management of Pepper yellow mottle virus (PYMV) & pepper slowing

1. Adopting different agronomic practices for the management of PYMV

2. Molecular based methods for detection and screening against the pathogen
3. Biological control of vectors

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Export Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(5) Management of Cinnamon rough bark disease

1. Correct identification of the pathogen

2. Effective management of rough bark disease

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Export Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(6) Management of White root disease of Cinnamon & Nut meg

1. Biological and cultural control methods for management of white root disease
2. Development of IDM strategies to contain the spread of the disease
39
 Responsible Institute(s) Department of Export Agriculture
Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(7) Management of Quick wilt/foot rot of pepper

1. Identification of the causal organism/s and other related factors that affect disease
development
2. Use of biological control agents (i.e. Trichoderma sp.) for sustainable
management of the disease

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Export Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(8) Management of Leaf Blight Disease of Cinnamon

1. Development of IDM Strategies to control the disease

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Export Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture
(9) Management of Brown Root Disease of Cinnamon

1. Identification of the causal organism/s and other related factors that affect disease
development
2. Development of IDM Strategies to control the disease

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Export Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(f) POST-HARVEST MANAGEMENT

(1) Prevention of post harvest infection of EAC products by pathogens through pre-
treatment and proper storage/packing systems

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Export Agriculture/ Institute

of Post Harvest Technology
Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(2) Management of post-harvest diseases of fruits , vegetables and other crops.

1. Pre-harvest disease management practices to manage postharvest quality

2. Post-harvest treatments (hot water, edible wax, etc.)

Responsible Institute(s) Institute of Post Harvest Technology

Department of Agriculture
40
 Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(3) Control of post harvest diseases of fruits and vegetables using GRAS chemicals,
natural products, biopesticides and chemical elicitors

Responsible Institute(s) Institute of Post Harvest Technology

HORDI/Department of Agriculture
Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(g) FOREST TREES

(1) Control of die-back of teak

1. Epidemiology of disease
2. Integrated management of die-back

Responsible Institute(s) Forest Department

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture

(h) OTHERS

(1) Management of diseases in protected agriculture

1. Screening/selection of resistant varieties to major bacterial diseases

2. Screening/selection of resistant varieties to major viral diseases
3. Study of causes of physiological disorders

Responsible Institute (s) Department of Agriculture

Collaborating Institute (s) Faculties of Agriculture

(2) Elimination of non-target effects of agro-chemicals

1. Screening of environmentally safe agro-chemicals

2. Screening them against non-target, friendly organisms

Responsible Institute (s) Registrar of Pesticides

Department of Agriculture
Department of Export Agriculture
Cinnamon Research Institute
Tea Research Institute
Coconut Research Institute
Collaborating Institute (s) Faculties of Agriculture

(3) Contamination of agro-products

41
 1. Bio-efficacy of low toxic pesticides against common pests & diseases
2. Monitoring/establishing acceptable residue levels of new pesticides

Responsible Institute (s) Registrar of Pesticides

Department of Agriculture
Tea Research Institute & Tea Board
Department of Export Agriculture,
Coconut Research Institute & Board
Collaborating Institute (s) Industrial Technology Institute,
Faculties of Agriculture & Sciences

(4) Management of seed borne pathogens

1. Identification of major seed borne pathogens (SBP) associated with locally

produced and imported seed lots of major crops grown in Sri Lanka
2. Development of management practices for SBP
3. Development of seed health standards for seed borne diseases
4. Development of quick detection techniques

Responsible Institute (s) Department of Agriculture/SCPPC

Department of Export Agriculture,

Collaborating Institute (s) Faculties of Agriculture

(5). Development of a plant disease forecasting system for agricultural areas in Sri Lanka

Responsible Institute(s) Faculty of Agriculture,

Collaborating Institute(s) Department of of Agriculture

(6). Understadning the taxonomic relationships and pathogenic behavior of different

colletotrichum spp. In Sri Lanka

Responsible Institute(s) Faculty of Agriculture,

Collaborating Institute(s) Department of of Agriculture

(7). Management of diseases in Medicinal plants

Responsible Institute(s)
Faculty of Agriculture,
Collaborating Institute(s) Department of of Agriculture

(8). Utilization of plant growth promoting bacteria for disease and stress tolerance

Responsible Institute(s) Faculty of Agriculture,

Collaborating Institute(s) Department of of Agriculture

42
 National Strategy on Weeds

An action Plan for National Weed Management has been formulated where weeds of national
significance has been identified.

1. Mission:

A National Weed Strategy to reduce the detrimental impact of weeds on the sustainability of Sri
Lanka's agriculture, forestry, wildlife and other natural resources.

43
 2. Weeds of National Significance

Weeds of National Significance have been identified based on the scientific information available
and the efforts made in terms of research by the Department of Agriculture, Department of Export
Agriculture, Commodity Research Institutes (Tea, Rubber, Coconut, Sugarcane), Department of
National Botanical garden and Universities. Weeds of national significance have been identified
and listed below in alphabetical order.

Rice

Common Name Scientific Name

English Name Name used by Farmers
01 Jungle rice, Bird rice Heen-maruk, Wel-maruk Echinochloa colonum
02 Barnyard grass, Water grass Maha-maruk, Bajiri Echinochloa crus-galli
03 Barnyard grass, Water grass Maruk, Bajiri Echinochloa
glabrescens
04 Torpedo grass Atawara Panicum repens
05 Red sprangletop Ashwa-waligaya Leptochloa chinensis
06 Wrinkle duck beak Gojarawalu, Goma-thana Ischaemum rugosum
07 Buffalo grass Gira-thana, Paspalum Paspalum distichum
08 Finger grass, Tropical crab grass Digitaria, Weedoru-wal Digitaria ciliaris
09 Goose grass, Wire grass Bela-thana Eleusine indica
10 Batadella Isachne globosa
11 Lesser fimbristylis Heen-kudamatta Fimbristylis miliacea
12 Tall fringe rush Maha-kudamatta Fimbristylis dichotoma
13 Kuda-matta Scirpus supinus
14 Umbrella sedge, Rice flat sedge Thunessa Cyperus iria
15 Small flower, Umbrella plant Mottu, Bola-thunessa Cyperus difformis
16 Purple nutsedge Kalanduru Cyperus rotundus
17 Monochoria, Pickerel weed Diya-habarala Monochoria vaginalis
18 Water orchid Japan-jabara Eichhornia crassipes
19 Yellow water lettuce Diya-gowa Limnocharis flava
20 Wel-karanbu Ludwigia octovalvis
21 Wel-karanbu Ludwigia perennis
22 Spreading dayflower Maha-girapala Commelina diffusa
23 Spreading dayflower Heen-girapala Murdania nudiflora
24 Mudu-mahana Sphaeranthus indicus
25 Joint vetch Wel-siyambala Aeschynomene indica
26 Goose weed Wel-anoda Sphenoclea zeylanica
27 White heads, False daisy Keekirindiya Eclipta alba
28 Kariba weed Salveenia Salvinia molesta
29 Water clover, Clover fern Pethi-pala, Hatarapethiya Marsilea quadrifolia
30 Weedy rice Pandisamba, Wal-goyam Oryza sativa, spontanea

(a) Lowland Rice:

44
 Common Name Scientific Name
Weedy rice (a) Oryza sativa, spontanea
Barnyard grass (Wel maruk) (b) Echinochloa crus-galli
Red sprangletop (Ashwa waligaya) (c) Leptochloa chinensis
Wrinkle grass (Gojara) (d) Ischaemum rugosum
Swamp millet (Batadella) (e) Isachne globosa
Willow primrose (Kaha karabu) (f) Ludwigia spp.
Umbreall sedge Cyperus iria
Small flower umbrella plant Cyperus difformis

(b) Upland Rice and Other Field Crops:

Common Name Scientific Name

Purple nutsedge (Kalanduru) (a) Cyperus rotundus
Obscure morning glory (Thelkola) (b) Ipomoea obscura.
Wire grass (c )Eleucine indica
Diya meneriya (d)Commelina bengalensis

(c) Horticultural Crops:

Common Name Scientific Name

Purple nutsedge (Kalanduru) (a) Cyperus rotundus
Cogongrass (Illuk) (b) Imperata cylindrica

(d) Plantation Crops:

Tea

Common Name Scientific name

Broad leaved weed
Getakola Spermacoce species
Val Niwithi (Passalaikodi) Anrederacordifolia
Val Alakola Caladium species
WelKohila Syngonium species
Koster’s curse Clidemiahirta
Sudana (Alawangupillu) Erigeron sumatrensis
Kadupahara (Thandampillu) Crassocephalumcrepidioides
Girapala (Amalei) Commellinadiffusa

45
 Grasses
Atora Panicumrepens
HeenAtora Panicumtrichocledum
Kalanduru Cyperusrotundus
KammbiThanakola - To be traced -

Coconut

Common Name Scientific Name

Siam weed (Podisinno maran) (a) Chromolaena odorata
Gandapana (b) Lantana camara
Morning glory (c) Ipomoea violacea
Pupula (d) Vernonia zeylanica
(e) Hypis suaveolens
Gunia grass (g) Panicum maximum
(h) Rhynchophorus polystachion

Rubber

Common Name Scientific Name

Cogon grass (Illuk) (a) Imperata cylindrica
Chinese creeper (Wathu palu) (b) Mikania micrantha
Wathupalu (c )Mikania cordata
Getakola Hedyotis auricularia
Gini Brachiaxia brizantha
Podisinghomaran Chromolaena odorata
Sugarcane

Common Name Scientific Name

Guinea grass (a) Panicum maximum
Cogon grass (Illuk) (b) Imperata cylindrica
Kiri wel Ischenocarpus furtescens
Morning glory Ipomoea spp
Purple nutsedge (kalanduru) Cyperus rotundus
Cogongrass (Illuk ) Imperata cylindrica
Atora Pannicum ripens
(e) Export Agriculture Crops:

Common Name Scientific Name

Guinea grass (a) Panicum maximum
Chinese creeper (Wathu palu) (b) Mikania micrantha
Mission grass (Rila thana) (c) Pennisetum polystachyon

46
(f) Floriculture crops

a. Lantana camara
b. Ipmosa pudica
c. Panicum maximum
d. Maikania makaranta
e. Ipomea violaceae

(i) Non. Crops

Aquatic

Common Name Scientific Name

Giant salvinia (a) Salvinia molesta
Water hyacinth (Japan jabara) (b) Eichhornia crassipes

Terrestrial

Common Name Scientific Name

Giant mimosa (Yoda nidikumba) (a) Mimosa pigra
Lantana (Gandapana) (b) Lantana camara
Guinea grass (c) Panicum maximum
Congress weed (d) Parthenium hysterophorus
Aruna devi (e) Spagneticola trilobata

47
 3 Action Plan for National Weed Management in Sri Lanka

Goal Objectives Strategies Responsibility

1 To prevent To prevent Develop DOA , CARP
outbreaks of new introduction, entry inventories of plant Ministry of
weed problems and spread of new species with weedy environment,
plant species with potentials (Global) NARA, Mahawelli
weed potential. Authority

Ensure effective NPQS, DOA, SLC

enforcement of the
plant quarantine
regulations

Improving CARP, DOA, Wild

awareness among life, Department of
people at all levels. Irrigation, Ministry
of Environment,
Universities and
Provincial councils,
and Divisional
secretarial

To ensure early Develop an FA, CARP,

detection of and effective reporting DOA, Institutions,
rapid action system. Universities.
against weed Commodity research
problems. institute

To reduce weed MA, CARP , DOA/

spread to new areas Department of
in the country. Forest, Ministry of
Environment.
Department of
Irrigation and
wildlife
2 To reduce the To facilitate the Establish criteria CARP, DOA, NBG,
impact of weeds identification of for identification of Universities
of national WONS on weeds.
significance agricultural land.
(WONS).

To apply Encourage research All stakeholders,

integrated and on weed biology CARP, NARS, FA
cost effective and control.
weed management

48
 techniques to Explore the All stakeholders,
solve the possibilities for CARP
problems of utilization of the
established weeds. problem weeds

Improving All stakeholders,

awareness among CARP
people at all levels.

3 To provide the To strengthen Develop All stakeholders

framework and national research, Programme for All stakeholders,
capacity for education and Capacity building. CARP
management of training capacity
weeds of national to ensure cost
significance. effective, efficient Provide financial CARP.
and sustainable assistance.
weed
management.

To encourage the Develop a All stake holders,

development and coordinated CARP
implementation of mechanism for
strategic plans for implementation of
weed management weed management
at all levels. strategies.

Define the role of All stake holders,

stake-holders' in CARP
weed management
programmes

Develop and CARP

implement reward
scheme.
4 To identify To prevent Identification and DNBG, DOA,
invasive plant introduction characterization of All stake holders,
species that and spread of invasive plants MPQS
may be invasive plant
potential weeds
Creation of DNBG, DOA,
awareness of All stake holders,
invasive plants MPQS
Reporting and DNBG, DOA,
mapping of All stake holders,
invasive plants MPQS
spread
Effective DNBG, DOA,
management All stake holders,
49
 strategies for MPQS
invasive plants
5 To reduce the Identification of Develop methods DOA, ROP and all
impact of safer herbicides to identify safer stakeholders
herbicides and safer weedicides
methods of
weed control Development of
weed management
techniques using
allelopathic
properties of crops

Management of Screening of DOA, CARP and

herbicides herbicides resistant other stakeholders
resistant weeds weeds populations
and particular
herbicides
Propose integrated DOA, CARP and
weed management other stakeholders
strategies for their
management

50
 4 The Strategic Research Program on Weeds

(1) Integrated Weed Management (IWM) strategies for lowland paddy, vegetables, and
Upland Agricultural Crops, with special reference to weeds of national significance in the
relevant sector.

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Agriculture

Department of Export Agriculture
Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture
Crop Life Sri Lanka

(2). Evaluation of new herbicides for rice, other field crops and Plantation Crops.

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Agriculture

Department of Export Agriculture
Commodity Research Institutes
Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture and Science
Crop Life Sri Lanka

(3) Area specific systematic monitoring of weed flora.

Responsible Institutes Department of Agriculture

Department of Export Agriculture
Faculties of Agriculture and Science
Commodity Research Institutes

(4) Control and management of noxious weeds in wastelands and aquatic habitats inclusive of
irrigation canals eg: Salvinia molesta, Eichhornia crassipes, Mimosa pigra and
Parthenium hysterophorus.

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Agriculture

National Aquatic Resources Agency
Ministry of Forestry & Environment
Irrigation Department
Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture and Science
Crop Life Sri Lanka

(5) Development of low cost weed management systems for rubber and coconut lands, tea,
sugarcane plantations, with special reference to areas in the relevant sector

Responsible Institute(s) Tea, Rubber, Sugarcane Research Institutes

Coconut Research Institute
Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture, Science
Crop Life Sri Lanka

51
(6) Effect of weeds and weed control measures on cinnamon

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Export Agriculture

Collaborating Institute(s) Faculties of Agriculture and Science
Crop Life Sri Lanka

(7) Development of weed management techniques using alleolopathic properties of crops

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Agriculture

Faculties of Agriculture
Commodity Research Institutes

(8) Management of environmental effects of herbicide-resistant weeds and reduced effect of

herbicides.

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Agriculture

Faculties of Agriculture
Commodity Research Institutes
Collaborating Institute(s) Crop Life Sri Lanka

(9) Integrated (crops and animal) farming approach for weed management in mixed gardens
and smallholder sector in wet and intermediate zones.

Responsible Institute(s) Department of Agriculture

Faculties of Agriculture
Commodity Research Institutes
Collaborating Institute(s) Crop Life Sri Lanka

10. Identification and dissimilation of information for the general public

Responsible Institute(s) : Department National Botanic garden

52