Sure, here’s an article on flower dropping control in Bengal gram crop:
Bengal gram, also known as chickpea, is an important pulse crop grown in many parts of India. However, one of the major issues faced by farmers during the cultivation of Bengal gram is the dropping of flowers. Flowers are essential for the production of pods, which contain the seeds of the crop. Therefore, it is important to control flower dropping in order to achieve high yields. In this article, we will discuss the causes of flower dropping in Bengal gram and how to control it.
Causes of flower dropping in Bengal gram:
There are several factors that contribute to flower dropping in Bengal gram. These include:
1. High temperature: High temperature during flowering can cause flower dropping. Generally, the optimum temperature for flowering in Bengal gram is between 20-25°C. If the temperature is higher than this range, it can affect the pollination process and cause flower dropping.
2. Water stress: Water stress during flowering can also cause flower dropping. Water stress can occur due to lack of irrigation or excess soil moisture. Both of these conditions can lead to flower dropping.
3. Nutrient deficiency: Nutrient deficiency, especially nitrogen, can affect the growth and development of flowers. This can result in flower dropping.
4. Insect attack: Insects, such as thrips and mites, can attack the flowers of Bengal gram. This can damage the flowers and cause dropping.
Control measures:
1. Irrigation management: Proper irrigation management is essential to control flower dropping in Bengal gram. It is important to maintain soil moisture levels within the optimum range to avoid water stress. Irrigation should be done at least once every 7-10 days.
2. Nutrient management: Proper nutrient management is important to ensure healthy growth and development of flowers in Bengal gram. Application of nitrogen fertilizer should be done at the time of sowing and during the vegetative growth stage.
3. Temperature management: High temperature during flowering can be controlled by providing shade or covering the plants during the hot hours of the day. This can help in maintaining the optimum temperature range for flowering.
4. Insect control: Insect attacks on the flowers can be controlled by spraying an insecticide such as imidacloprid or chlorpyrifos. This should be done as per the recommended dosage and at the recommended time to avoid any damage to the plant.
Conclusion:
Flower dropping is a major concern for farmers during the cultivation of Bengal gram. However, by implementing the above-mentioned control measures, flower dropping can be effectively controlled. Proper irrigation management, nutrient management, temperature management, and insect control can ensure healthy growth and development of flowers, which will ultimately lead to high yields.