As a farmer, it can be frustrating to see your crops infested with pests and diseases. One of the most common pests that farmers in Bihar face is the Bihar hairy caterpillar, which can cause serious damage to gram crops. If you are dealing with an infestation, it is important to know about the control measures that can help protect your crops and ensure a successful harvest.
Identification of Bihar Hairy Caterpillar
The Bihar hairy caterpillar is a common pest that affects gram crops in Bihar. This pest is identified by its brown color and hairy appearance. It is approximately 3 cm in length and has a spiny body covered with dense, black hairs. The larvae of the Bihar hairy caterpillar cause significant damage to the leaves of the gram plant by consuming the leaves and leaving behind holes.
Control Measures for Bihar Hairy Caterpillar
There are several control measures that farmers can use to protect their crops from Bihar hairy caterpillar damage:
1. Cultural Control Measures
One method of controlling the infestation of Bihar hairy caterpillars is by adopting cultural control measures.
Crop rotation: Crop rotation can help reduce the number of caterpillar populations because the moths lay eggs on the thicker leaves that can not be found in other crops.
Plant spacing: Proper spacing between plants can help improve air circulation, which reduces the likelihood of fungal diseases and also the habitat for the caterpillar.
2. Mechanical Control Measures
Hand-picking: If the appearance of caterpillars is in small numbers or there are only a few sticky leaves, farmers can hand-pick the larvae and remove them manually from the plants. If necessary, some leaves can be cut and disposed of.
Traps: Farmers can use light traps at night to attract and capture the adult moth before they lay their eggs, limiting the number of young caterpillars that can damage the crops.
3. Biological Control Measure
Biological control: Farmers can introduce natural predators of the Bihar hairy caterpillar into their fields. Introducing the natural caterpillar-feeding wasp to eat the larvae will help to control the population of caterpillars.
4. Chemical Control Measures
Pesticides: If the infestation cannot be managed by the above methods, farmers can use insecticides for controlling Bihar hairy caterpillar. Insecticides must be applied when the caterpillar is in the early instar stages.
Conclusion
Bihar Hairy Caterpillar can cause significant damage to gram crops in Bihar, but farmers can control their presence with the above measures. It is important to inspect the fields regularly and identify the problem early to prevent a larger infestation. By adopting cultural, mechanical, and biological control practices, farmers can protect their crops and ensure a successful harvest. Pesticides should be a last resort, and farmers should always follow safe handling practices when using them.