Control Measures of Pests in Chickpea Crop
Chickpea, also known as garbanzo bean, is a highly nutritious legume crop that is widely grown around the world. It is a major source of protein and dietary fiber for people, especially in places where meat is not readily available. However, chickpea crop is highly prone to pest infestations, which can greatly reduce the yield and quality of the crop. To protect chickpea crop from pests and ensure a good yield, various control measures can be implemented.
The following are some of the control measures of pests in chickpea crop:
1. Use of resistant varieties
The use of resistant varieties is an effective way of controlling pest infestations in chickpea crop. There are many varieties of chickpea that are resistant to various pests, such as pod borer and Helicoverpa armigera. These varieties have been developed through breeding programs and are highly recommended for cultivation in areas where pest infestations are common.
2. Cultural practices
Various cultural practices can be used to reduce pest infestations in chickpea crop. These practices include:
a) Crop rotation: Rotation of crops can help reduce the build-up of pest populations by interrupting their life cycle. For example, growing cereals or legumes in between chickpea crops can help reduce soil-borne pests, such as root-knot nematodes.
b) Inter-cropping: Inter-cropping of chickpea with other crops, such as sorghum, can help reduce insect pest infestations.
c) Tillage: Proper tillage practices, such as deep plowing, can help expose many pests to predators and natural enemies.
3. Chemical control
The use of chemical control measures should be the last resort, only after other control measures have failed or are not practical. There are many chemical pesticides available for controlling pests in chickpea crops, such as pyrethroids and organophosphates. However, care should be taken to choose the right pesticide for the pest in question, and to apply it at the right time and in the right amount. Excessive use of pesticides can lead to the development of resistance by pest populations, environmental pollution, and health hazards to humans and other organisms.
4. Biological control
Biological control measures involve the use of natural enemies, such as predators, parasitoids, and pathogens, to control pest populations. This is a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way of controlling pests. For example, the use of Trichogramma chilonis, a parasitic wasp, has been found to be effective in controlling the chickpea pod borer.
In conclusion, the control of pests in chickpea crop requires a holistic approach that integrates various control measures, such as resistant varieties, cultural practices, chemical control, and biological control. This will ensure a good yield and quality of the chickpea crop, while minimizing the negative impacts of pest control measures on the environment and human health.