Fruit and shoot borer (FSB) is one of the most devastating pest problems faced by brinjal growers in India. It is caused by the larvae of a moth called Leucinodes orbonalis, which burrows into the stem, leaves, flowers, and fruits of the plant, causing significant damage to the crop. However, there are several effective ways to control FSB in brinjal.
Cultural methods:
– Crop rotation: Crop rotation is a process of growing different crops in a sequence in the same field. It helps to break the pest cycle and reduce the build-up of pests in the soil.
– Sanitation: Proper sanitation practices, such as removing and destroying infected plant debris, can help reduce the incidence of FSB.
– Early planting: Planting brinjal early in the season can help avoid the peak FSB infestation period.
Biological methods:
– Natural predators: Several natural enemies of FSB, such as spiders, earwigs, and parasitic wasps, can be attracted to the field and used to control the pest.
– Biopesticides: Certain microbial pesticides, such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and Beauveria bassiana, can be used to control FSB.
Chemical methods:
– Insecticides: Insecticides are a common method of controlling FSB in brinjal. They are available in different forms, such as dust, spray, or granular. However, the excessive use of pesticides can lead to pesticide residues in the crop and harm the environment and human health.
– Pheromone traps: Pheromone traps can be used to trap male moths and reduce the reproductive potential of FSB.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM):
– IPM is a holistic approach to pest management, which combines different pest management tactics in a systematic manner. It involves monitoring pest populations, adopting cultural and biological control methods, and judicious use of chemical pesticides.
In conclusion, controlling FSB in brinjal requires a combination of different pest management tactics, including cultural and biological methods, chemical control, and IPM. Growers need to adopt a holistic approach to pest management and use pesticides judiciously to ensure a healthy and sustainable production of brinjal.