Helopeltis theivora: Tea mosquito bug affecting production: UPASI

Source: The post is based on the article “Tea mosquito bug affecting production: UPASI” published in The Hindu on 21st April 2023

What is the News?

The United Planters Association of South India (UPASI) has urged the government to immediately intervene and take appropriate steps to control the Tea Mosquito Bug (Helopeltis theivora) problem in the tea plantations in India. 

What is Helopeltis theivora?

It is a major sucking pest of tea in most tea-producing countries. 

The nymphs and adults of the Tea Mosquito Bug(TMB) suck the sap from tender leaves, buds and young shoots, which results in heavy crop losses.

How can this Tea mosquito bug be prevented?

It can be controlled by using synthetic pesticides. However, in the current 2014 Plant Protection Code (PPC) from the Tea Board of India, only seven pesticides are approved for use in South India. 

With a limited choice of pesticides, tea growers are unable to achieve effective control of tea mosquito bugs.

About India’s Tea Production

India is the world’s second-largest producer of tea after China. Around 85% of the tea produced domestically is consumed in the country itself.India is also the largest black tea producer.

Indian teas are exported to various destinations and are the 4th largest tea exporter besides catering to a large number of domestic consumers.

Currently, small tea growers contribute 52 percent of India’s tea production.

Darjeeling’s tea is one of the coveted products of India which is the first GI registered.