Certainly, here’s an article on the control of pod caterpillar attack on green gram crops:
Green gram is a popular crop for farmers, both for subsistence use and for export. However, the crop is prone to a range of pests and diseases, including the pod caterpillar. The pod caterpillar is a common pest that feeds on green gram pods and damages the seed yield. If not controlled, pod caterpillar attack can result in a significant reduction in crop yield and a loss of income for farmers.
Identifying the pod caterpillar
The pod caterpillar, also known as Helicoverpa armigera, is a common pest of green gram crops. The caterpillar is light green in color with prominent stripes running along its body. It feeds on the green gram pods, primarily during the flowering and pod formation stage. The caterpillar is also known to attack other crops such as cotton, tomato, and chickpea.
Damage caused by pod caterpillar attack
The damage caused by pod caterpillar attack can vary from mild to severe. In the initial stages, the caterpillars may feed on the flowers and young pods, leading to reduced pod set and flower drop. In severe cases, the caterpillars can completely destroy the buds and damage the developing seeds. This, in turn, can result in reduced yield and a loss of income.
Control measures for pod caterpillar attack
There are several control measures that farmers can employ to manage pod caterpillar attack. These include:
1) Cultural control
Farmers can reduce the incidence of pod caterpillar attack by practicing good crop management techniques. This includes planting green gram early in the season, using clean seed and planting healthy seedlings. Crop rotation can also help to break the pest cycle.
2) Biological control
Biopesticides can be used to control pod caterpillar attack. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a common biopesticide that can be used to control the caterpillar. Bt is a naturally occurring bacteria that is toxic to the caterpillar but harmless to other organisms.
3) Chemical control
Chemical control is an effective way to control pod caterpillar attack. Insecticides such as cypermethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and chlorantraniliprole are commonly used to control the caterpillar. However, farmers need to be cautious when using chemical pesticides as they can harm beneficial insects and the environment.
4) Mechanical control
Handpicking is another effective method of controlling pod caterpillar attack. Farmers can remove the caterpillars by hand and destroy them. This method is labor-intensive and may not be suitable for large-scale farms.
Conclusion
Pod caterpillar attack is a common problem for green gram farmers. The pest can reduce yield and result in a loss of income. However, there are several control measures that farmers can use to manage the pest. These include good crop management practices, biological control, chemical control, and mechanical control. Farmers should evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of each control method before deciding on the appropriate one to use.