Bengal gram, also known as chickpea, is an essential leguminous crop grown widely across the world, including India. It is an important source of protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins for humans and animals. However, it is vulnerable to pest attacks, and caterpillars are the most common among them. Control measures of caterpillars attack in Bengal gram crop is integral to save the crop yield and quality.
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves, flowers, pods, and stems of the Bengal gram plant. They usually appear during the flowering and pod-filling stages of the plant, and their attack reduces the photosynthetic efficiency of the plant and causes significant damage to the yield. Therefore, controlling the caterpillar attack in the early stages is crucial.
The following are some effective control measures of caterpillar attacks in Bengal gram crop:
1. Physical methods: This includes removing the caterpillars by handpicking, using a net or a tray to collect them, or shaking the plant, so they fall off. This method is useful in small-scale farming or for localized infestation, but it is laborious and time-consuming.
2. Biological methods: This involves using natural enemies of the caterpillars, such as parasites, predators, and pathogens. For example, certain wasps lay their eggs inside the caterpillar’s body, which kills them, while birds, spiders, and mantis feed on the caterpillars. However, this method takes time to establish and may not be effective in a severe infestation.
3. Chemical methods: This method involves using pesticides that are specifically designed to target caterpillars. The pesticides can be either synthetic or organic, and they are formulated as dust, spray, or granules. Synthetic pesticides are fast-acting and effective, but they may also harm beneficial insects and contaminate the soil and groundwater. Organic pesticides, on the other hand, are eco-friendly, but they may not be as potent as synthetic ones. Moreover, one needs to ensure to follow the recommended dose and spray schedule for effective results.
4. Prevention: This is the best control measure, which involves taking preventive measures to avoid caterpillar attacks in the first place. For instance, maintaining proper crop rotation, avoiding over-fertilization, providing adequate plant nutrition, and planting resistant or tolerant varieties of Bengal gram. Also, practicing good crop hygiene by cleaning the field and destroying crop debris after harvest.
In conclusion, the control measures of caterpillar attack in Bengal gram crop are crucial for safeguarding the yield and quality of the crop. Adopting a combination of physical, biological, chemical, and preventive measures in a judicious way would aid the control of caterpillar attacks. Meanwhile, ensure to use recommended guidelines and advice from agricultural extension officers or experts to achieve the best results.