Termites, commonly known as white ants, are one of the most destructive pests to paddy (jhona) crops. They feed on cellulose, which is present in abundance in the stems and roots of paddy plants, and can quickly destroy an entire crop if left unchecked. If you’re a paddy farmer, you need to take preventive measures to control termite attack and protect your crop. Here are some useful tips to help you control termite attack in your paddy crop.
1. Cultural Methods
Cultural methods are preventive measures that aim to reduce the termite population by making the environment less conducive for their growth and development. One cultural method is to plow the field deeply before planting the paddy seedlings. This will expose the termite colonies to open air and sunlight, which can kill the termites or force them to move to other areas.
Another cultural method is to avoid continuous cropping of paddy in the same field. Instead, crop rotation is recommended for controlling termite infestation. If you plant legumes or other non-paddy crops in the field once in a while, it can help reduce the termite population.
2. Chemical Methods
If termite infestation is already present, then it is necessary to adopt chemical methods to control them. There are several chemical treatments available in the market that can be used for termite control. One such chemical is Chlorpyrifos. It is a broad-spectrum insecticide that is effective in controlling termites. However, it should be used as per the manufacturer’s instructions and only after consulting with an expert.
Another chemical treatment that can be used is Imidacloprid. It acts as a systemic insecticide and is applied to the soil before planting paddy seedlings. It is absorbed by the plant’s roots and helps in controlling termites by killing them when they feed on the plant.
3. Biological Control
Biological control is an eco-friendly method that uses natural enemies to control termite populations. One example of biological control is the use of fungi such as Metarhizium anisopliae, which can infect and kill termites.
Another example of biological control is the use of beneficial nematodes that infect and kill termites. However, biological control methods are slow and may not be effective in controlling a large termite population.
In conclusion, termite attack can cause significant damage to your paddy crop. Therefore, it is essential to take preventive measures to control their infestation. Adopting cultural methods, using chemical treatments, and biological control measures can help you protect your crop from termite attack. However, it is advisable to seek the guidance of an expert before adopting any control measures.