As a wheat farmer, one of the most persistent and destructive pests you will encounter are termites. They are responsible for causing extensive damage to standing crops and can significantly reduce the yield if not kept in check. Therefore, it’s essential to know how to control termite in wheat. This article will discuss some proven techniques and strategies for effectively controlling these pests.
1. Implement proper pre-planting measures
One of the best ways to control termite infestations in wheat fields is to use pre-planting measures. These measures help to prevent or reduce the likelihood of termite infestations in the first place. Some pre-planting measures include treating seedlings with insecticides, planting termite-resistant strains of wheat, and using barrier systems to protect young plants from termite attacks.
2. Implement regular field surveys
Frequent field surveys are essential to detect any termite infestations early. This can help to prevent widespread damage and prevent the loss of yield. Farmers should conduct regular field surveys to monitor their wheat fields’ progress and detect any signs of termite activity early. This includes monitoring the condition of the leaves, roots, and stems of the wheat plants and inspecting underground tunnels and soil for evidence of termites.
3. Use cultural practices
Cultural practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, and mixed cropping can help reduce the number of termites that infest wheat fields. Crop rotation involves planting different crops in the same field in succession, while intercropping involves planting different types of crops in the same field.
Intercropping can be effective by planting termite-resistant crops alongside wheat, which can deter termites from infesting. Furthermore, minimising wastage of residual crop materials is also important to restrict the availability of food for termites.
4. Use Chemical Control Methods
Chemical control measures are effective in controlling termites in wheat fields. The most common chemicals used are insecticides, which kill termites and prevent them from feeding on wheat plants. Farmers should use insecticides that are selective, effective, and non-toxic to humans and the environment. It is important to only use insecticides registered with the relevant authorities.
5. Implement Biological Control methods
Biological control methods are eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to chemical control methods. These techniques involve the use of natural predators and parasites of termites to attack and kill them.
Some effective biological control methods are:
a) Using entomopathogenic nematodes: these nematodes are natural enemies of termites and can be applied to wheat fields to control termite populations.
b) Use of Trichoderma: Trichoderma fungi is effective in enhancing wheat’s growth potential and offers improved grain yield reduces emergence of termite infestation.
Conclusion
Termites are formidable pests in agriculture that can cause severe plant damage leading to reduced yields resulting in economic losses for farmers. While chemical controls are effective for termite control, farmers should also explore eco-friendly alternatives such as biological control methods. Effective management of termite infestations requires a comprehensive approach using multiple strategies to ensure that the problem is resolved effectively.