Certainly, here’s an article on control measures for sucking pests in onion crops:
Onion farming can prove to be highly profitable if approached with proper care and effective management practices. However, despite being a relatively easy crop to grow, onion farming is not without its challenges. In particular, the crop is highly susceptible to being attacked by various insect pests. One of the most harmful pest groups that can seriously impede the growth and yield of onion crops is the sucking pest group.
Sucking insect pests like aphids, thrips, and mites feed by inserting their long and thin mouthparts into the onion foliage or bulb and suck out the sap. This weakens the onion plant and makes it more prone to infections and diseases. The plants may start showing signs of stunted growth, yellowing of leaves or even deformation or curling of leaves, and in extreme cases, the entire crop might fail.
But what measures can farmers take to control these pests and protect their crop from damage?
Insecticide Sprays
The first and foremost effective measure for controlling sucking pests is the application of insecticides. Farmers can use systemic or contact insecticides to control these pests. Systemic insecticides are absorbed by the plants and are transported throughout the plant via the transport system of the plant. Contact insecticides cover the surface of the plant and are applied directly to the pest insects. Both types can be effective and should be chosen based on the severity of the problem and the specific type of pest.
Cultural Control
Cultural control practices can also be employed in onion farming to help prevent and manage sucking pests. To begin with, crop rotation is an excellent measure for controlling pests as it breaks the pest’s life cycle. Onion farmers should avoid planting onions in the same area for at least three years to prevent the build-up of pests.
Another cultural control measure is the use of companion crops. Companion crops like marigold, coriander, and spring onion can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. These beneficial insects feed on aphids and other sucking pests, which in turn helps to reduce their populations.
Biological Control
Biological control methods can also be used to combat sucking pests. Farmers can introduce natural predators such as ladybugs, parasitic wasps, lacewings, and predatory mites to the crop field. These natural predators attack the pest insects when they come into contact with them, effectively controlling the population and preventing it from causing further damage to the crop.
Conclusion
Sucking pests pose a significant threat to onion farmers. Therefore, effective pest management is crucial to ensure the success of the crop. Farmers can use the measures mentioned above to control these pests and prevent them from causing damage to their onion crop. By combining cultural control practices, insecticide spray, and biological control, farmers can ensure higher yields and a more profitable crop.