Brinjal, also known as eggplant, is a popular vegetable grown in many parts of the world. However, one of the biggest challenges faced by farmers is controlling the shoot borer attack on brinjal. Shoot borers are the larvae of a moth that can cause significant damage to the plants’ shoots and fruits, leading to reduced yields and loss of income. In this article, we will discuss how to control shoot borer attack on brinjal effectively.
1. Crop Rotation
One of the most effective ways to control shoot borer attack on brinjal is crop rotation. This means planting brinjal in different locations each year, rather than growing them in the same field continuously. By doing so, it reduces the likelihood of shoot borers building up in the soil, as they will not have access to the suitable host plant.
2. Keep the plantation area clean
Keeping the plantation area clean from weeds, plant debris, and other plant waste is essential to prevent shoot borers from breeding. Remove any plant residues from the field after harvesting and destroy them to reduce the shoot’s borers’ population.
3. Use Pest-resistant varieties of Brinjal
It is essential to use Brinjal varieties that are resistant to shoot borers. Breeders are developing new varieties of brinjal which are naturally-resistant to these bugs. These types of Brinjal produce compounds that discourage shoot borers from laying eggs on the plant.
4. Use Biological Control Agents
Biological control agents, such as parasitoid wasps, offer a natural way of controlling shoot borers. The parasitoid wasps lay their eggs on the larvae and eventually kill them. Careful implementation of biological control like spraying bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is also an environmentally friendly way of controlling pests as it is harm to humans and livestock.
5. Organic Sprays
Insecticidal soaps or oils prepared from sesame oil, neem oil, or canola oil are an effective way of managing shoot borers in brinjal. These oils can repel and suffocate the pests, hence preventing them from thriving on the plant.
In conclusion, managing shoot borers attack on brinjal plants requires a combination of different methods. Starting with crop rotation, maintaining clean surroundings, planting pest-resistant varieties, followed by biological controls and using organic sprays to eliminate the pests. By employing these control measures, farmers can protect their crops from destruction and deliver high-quality brinjal produce without using harmful synthetic pesticides, which pose a risk to people and wildlife.