Sure, here’s an article on controlling fruit and shoot borer in brinjal:
Brinjal, also known as eggplant, is a popular vegetable that is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions. However, one of the main challenges faced by brinjal growers is the fruit and shoot borer, a destructive pest that can cause significant yield losses. In this article, we will discuss some recommended control measures for managing fruit and shoot borer in brinjal.
Identification of Fruit and Shoot Borer
Fruit and shoot borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) is a serious pest of brinjal that attacks the fruits and shoots of the plant. The pest is a small cream-colored caterpillar with a dark brown head and is about 1 to 1.5 cm in length. The adult moth is a small, brownish-grey moth with a wingspan of about 1.5 cm. The moth lays its eggs on the young fruits, flowers, and tender shoots of the brinjal plant. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae bore into the fruit or shoot, causing damage.
Control Measures for Fruit and Shoot Borer
1. Cultural Control
One of the simplest and most effective ways to control fruit and shoot borer in brinjal is through cultural practices. This includes the use of resistant varieties, proper crop rotation, and good sanitation and management practices.
– Resistant Varieties – Using resistant varieties helps prevent the pest from attacking the brinjal plants in the first place. Some of the varieties that are resistant to fruit and shoot borer include Arka Keshav, Sudha, Surya, and Vishal.
– Crop Rotation – Growing brinjal in rotation with non-host crops like maize, cowpea, and sunflower can help prevent the buildup of the pest in the soil.
– Sanitation – One of the most important aspects of controlling fruit and shoot borer is sanitation. Picking and destroying infested fruits and shoots can help reduce the pest’s population.
2. Biological Control
Biological control is the use of natural enemies, like predators or parasites, to control the pest. There are several natural enemies of fruit and shoot borer, including egg parasitoids like Trichogramma and Braconid wasps. They lay their eggs on the eggs of the fruit and shoot borer, which prevent them from hatching.
3. Chemical Control
If cultural and biological control measures fail, chemical control can be used as a last resort. However, it is essential to use the right pesticide at the right time and in the right amount. The use of pesticides must be done in accordance with the specific label instructions. Some of the recommended pesticides for controlling fruit and shoot borer in brinjal include Chlorpyrifos, Quinalphos, and Cypermethrin. However, pesticides should be used sparingly and judiciously as they can harm non-target organisms and the environment.
Conclusion
Fruit and shoot borer is a serious pest of brinjal that can cause significant yield losses. The use of resistant varieties, proper crop rotation, good sanitation and management practices, biological control, and judicious use of pesticides can help control this pest effectively. With the right measures in place, brinjal growers can protect their crop from the devastating effects of the fruit and shoot borer.