Shoot borer is one of the common pests that can cause severe damage to moong bean crops. The larvae of shoot borer bore into the stem of the plant and damage the growing tip, which results in stunted growth, reduced yields, and even plant death in severe cases. Hence, it is important to take appropriate measures to control shoot borers in moong bean crops.
There are several cultural, biological, and chemical control measures that can be employed to manage shoot borers in moong bean crops. Let’s discuss each of them in detail.
Cultural control measures:
1. Crop rotation – Crop rotation is an effective method to prevent the build-up of shoot borer population. It involves planting a non-host crop in the same field to break the life cycle of the pest.
2. Timely sowing – Early sowing of moong bean crop helps in avoiding the peak infestation period of shoot borers, which is usually during the monsoon season.
3. Field sanitation – All the infested plant materials, such as stem, leaves, and bracts, should be removed from the field and destroyed to minimize the spread of the pest.
Biological control measures:
1. Trichogramma wasps – Trichogramma wasps are parasitoids that attack the eggs of shoot borers. These wasps can be released in the field at regular intervals to control the pest.
2. Beauveria bassiana – Beauveria bassiana is a fungus that infects the larvae of shoot borers and causes their death.
Chemical control measures:
1. Insecticides – Chemical insecticides, such as cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and malathion, can provide effective control of shoot borers. These insecticides should be applied as per the recommended doses and timings.
2. Pheromone traps – Pheromone traps can be used to monitor the shoot borer population and also to attract and trap the adult moths, which reduces their mating opportunities and consequently, their population.
In conclusion, the control of shoot borer in moong bean crop can be achieved through a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical methods. Integrated Pest Management approach that combines all the methods mentioned above can provide effective control while minimizing environmental risks. Farmers should, therefore, adopt these measures to manage shoot borer effectively and improve the productivity of their moong bean crops.