As the summer season approaches, farmers gear up for a plethora of problems that come with the heat. One such issue is the attack of whiteflies on peas. These tiny, winged insects can cause severe damage to pea crops, making it necessary for farmers to understand how to control their attack.
When a farmer is asked about the control of attack of whiteflies on pea, the response would depend on the severity of the attack. If the attack is mild, then there are several non-chemical measures that can be taken to control it. These include:
1. Removing affected leaves: Whiteflies lay their eggs on the undersides of leaves. The first step in controlling their attack is to manually remove these leaves and destroy them to prevent the infestation from spreading.
2. Encouraging natural predators: There are several natural predators of whiteflies, including ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. Farmers can encourage these predators by planting companion plants that attract them, such as dill and marigolds.
3. Using reflective mulch: Whiteflies are attracted to yellow and white colors. Using reflective mulch made of metalized plastic will make it difficult for them to locate the plants.
If the attack is severe, then the farmer may need to resort to chemical measures to control it. Some of the commonly used chemicals are neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, and insecticidal soaps. However, it is important to note that these chemicals have harmful effects on the environment and other beneficial insects.
Farmers should always try to use the least harmful method of control first and resort to chemicals only when necessary. They should also ensure that they follow the instructions on the label of the chemical and apply it only in the recommended amounts.
In conclusion, controlling the attack of whiteflies on pea requires a multi-pronged approach that includes manual removal of affected leaves, encouraging natural predators, and using reflective mulch. Farmers should also be cautious when using chemicals and try to use non-toxic controls whenever possible. By adopting these measures, farmers can protect their pea crops from the devastating effects of whitefly infestation.