Larvae Control Information of Sesame Crop
Sesame crop is one of the most important oilseed crops cultivated worldwide. SESAME, also known as Til, is a highly valuable cash crop that is cultivated primarily for its seeds. It is grown across many countries for its edible seeds, oil, and also for its leaves, which are used as vegetables. However, sesame crop cultivation is not without its challenges, and one of them is the control of larvae that may infest the crop.
Larvae are the immature form of insects that may cause damage to the sesame crop at various stages. The most common types of larvae that attack the sesame crop are the shoot fly, aphid, and cutworms. These larvae feed on the leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds of the sesame crop, thereby reducing crop productivity and quality.
To prevent the damage caused by larvae, farmers need to practice early detection and control measures. Here are some tips for larvae control information of sesame crop:
1. Use Biological Control Methods
Biological control methods involve the use of natural enemies of the larvae, such as parasitoids, predators, and pathogens. One of the common biological control methods used in sesame crop is using Trichogramma wasp that parasitizes the eggs of the shoot fly, which eventually reduces the population of the shoot fly.
2. Cultural Control Methods
Cultural control methods are preventive measures that focus on the farming system’s manipulation to reduce the likelihood of pest infestation. Cultural control methods include crop rotation, intercropping, and planting resistant varieties. Inter-cropping sesame crop with other crops such as legumes can also help to reduce the risks of pest attack.
3. Chemical Control Methods
Chemical control methods involve the use of insecticides to control the pest population. Insecticides are usually applied when the pest population reaches the economic threshold level. However, the use of insecticides should be minimised as much possible due to their impact on the environment.
Conclusion
Larvae infestation can cause substantial damage to sesame crops, leading to production losses. However, with proper larvae control information, farmers can work towards mitigating this issue. Biological, cultural, and chemical control methods are viable options for controlling the pest population in sesame crops. Farmers should choose the most appropriate strategy that will work best for their individual farming practice. Regular field inspections and scouting for any signs of pest infestation should be done to ensure early detection and control of the problem.