Business Risks: Insects

There is no relief for plants as the continuous assault requires an unrelenting defense mechanism to combat the threats. While the plant is at seedling stage the bugs commence their attack, from the ants to the caterpillar, which while the latter may result in a beautiful butterfly through the miracle of metamorphosis, during the caterpillar stage they are voracious eaters and they attack the leaves. While an enclosed nursery protects the seedlings at some stage, the insects and reptiles do find a way to get in the enclosure. Once removed from the nursery and transplanted the plant is wide open for attacks from all sources. These come mainly from wasps of various types, the fruit fly etc.

Their is one insect however that I welcome and that is the honey bee. Last year I had an excellent crop of Cashew,  Suriname Cherry and golden plums, and this year the mangoes gave fruit for the first time. I am thankful for the assistance the bees provide as they pollinate my trees. The blossoms are all beautiful an even the coconut blossom is lovely. The smell of the blossoms in the orchards, from the orange, guava, suriname cherry, golden plums  adds a priceless dimension to the environment.