Pink stem borer, also known as Sesamia inferens, is a major pest of wheat crops and causes significant yield losses and economic damage to farmers. It is a type of stem borer that bores into the stem of the wheat plant and feeds on the sap, leading to stunted growth and reduced grain yield. Here are some control measures to manage pink stem borer in wheat crop:
1. Cultural Control: Proper crop management practices such as crop rotation, timely sowing, and good field sanitation can help to minimize the impact of pink stem borer on wheat crops. Farmers should avoid planting wheat crops in consecutive years and should use clean seed to prevent the entry of the pest.
2. Mechanical Control: Physical methods such as handpicking and destruction of infested plant material can help in reducing the population of pink stem borer in wheat fields. Infected plants should be uprooted and destroyed to prevent the spread of the pest.
3. Biological Control: The use of natural predators and parasites of pink stem borer can be effective in controlling the pest in wheat crops. The application of entomopathogenic fungi like Metarhizium anisopliae can also help in reducing the population of pink stem borer.
4. Chemical Control: Insecticides are commonly used to control pink stem borer in wheat crop. The application of insecticides should be done during the early stages of crop growth to prevent the pest from burrowing into the stem. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and application methods to prevent the development of resistance in the pest.
In conclusion, the control of pink stem borer in wheat crop requires an integrated approach, including cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control measures. Farmers should adopt good crop management practices and use a combination of control methods to effectively manage the pest and minimize yield losses.