Pests and diseases of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume)

Abstract

Incidence and severity of pests and diseases in cinnamon vary with growth stage. Young leaves at the nursery stage are susceptible to pests and diseases, leading to higher motility rates. Over 70 species of insect pests were reported from cinnamon, but the majority does not cause significant damage in Sri Lanka. Plants from the nursery to the harvesting stage are susceptible to root grubs, thrips, and leaf galls makers (Eriophyes boisi and Trioza cinnamomi). Wood boring moth (Ichneumenoptera cinnamomumi) is most devastating to mature plantation. Rough bark disease (Phomopsis sp.) is the commonest and most destructive disease, while leaf blight (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) is common at every development stage under wet and humid conditions. White root disease (Rigidoporus microporus) and brown root rot (Phellinus noxius) are very common under dry weather. Vertebrate pests also pose problems, especially in cultivations in close proximity to forests. Integrated pest and disease management strategies, combined with sound agronomical practices and resistant and clean planting material, are required for sustainable cinnamon cultivation. Synthetic pesticide application is not generally recommended in mature plants at or close to the harvesting stage. Endogenous essential oils do not seem to have a role in pest and disease incidence in cinnamon in spite of their antimicrobial and insecticidal properties. Understanding of pests and pathogens is crucial for keeping their populations below economic threshold.