Jassids or leafhoppers are small insects that can cause significant damage to brinjal plants. They feed on the sap of the plant, which can cause yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and wilting. Therefore, it is essential to control jassids in brinjal crops to ensure healthy plant growth and high yield.
Here are some effective ways to control jassids in brinjal:
1. Use insecticidal sprays: Insecticidal sprays containing neem oil, pyrethrum, or spinosad can be used to control jassids in brinjal crops. These sprays should be applied early in the morning or late in the evening when the jassids are most active. Repeat the application once a week for 2-3 weeks to get rid of them completely.
2. Biological control: Biological control methods like releasing predatory insects like ladybugs, lacewing, and parasite wasps can also help control jassids. These predatory insects feed on the jassids and help in reducing their population.
3. Cultural methods: Practicing good agricultural practices like crop rotation, timely planting, and intercropping can help reduce the infestation of jassids in brinjal crops. Intercropping with marigold and basil can also repel jassids.
4. Use sticky traps: Using yellow sticky traps is another effective method to control jassids in brinjal crops. These traps attract the jassids, and they get stuck to the surface, preventing them from feeding on the plant.
5. Use resistant varieties: Planting jassid resistant varieties of brinjal can also help in controlling jassid infestation. These varieties are less susceptible to jassid damage and provide better yield.
In conclusion, controlling jassids in brinjal crops is essential to ensure optimum plant growth and yield. Adopting pest control strategies like using insecticidal sprays, biological control, cultural methods, using sticky traps, and planting resistant varieties can effectively reduce the population of jassids and protect the brinjal crops.