Lentil is a significant crop that is grown globally due to its high nutritional value, and it’s considered to be a part of the legume family. It is a source of protein, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. However, the lentil crop is often threatened by various pests, with the sucking pests being the most prominent. In this article, we will explore some of the ways to control sucking pests in lentil crops.
Sucking pests are insects that feed on plant sap, and they cause significant damage to the lentil crop. Some of the common sucking pests that might attack the crop include aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and Jassids. These pests inject toxins into the plant while feeding, leading to wilting, stunted growth, yellowing, and even death. Here are some strategies for controlling the pests:
Cultural Control
Cultural control involves changing the environment to create conditions unfavorable for pests. One of the ways you can control sucking pests in your lentil crop is by practicing crop rotation. Crop rotation can help to break the pest’s life cycle, preventing the buildup of pest populations in the soil.
Another cultural control practice is the use of clean seed material. Ensure that you use certified and healthy lentil seed to prevent the spread of disease and pests.
Biological Control
The use of natural enemies to control sucking pests in lentil crops is gaining popularity worldwide. Biological control involves introducing natural enemies like ladybugs, parasitoids, and predators into the environment. These natural enemies feed on the pests, helping to reduce their population.
Chemical Control
The use of pesticides is another way to control sucking pests, but it should be a last resort because of its harmful effects on the environment. If you opt for pesticides, ensure you follow the instructions on the label. The chemicals should be applied when the pests are active and at the recommended rates.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
IPM involves the use of multiple strategies, such as cultural, biological, and chemical control, to manage pests. Adopting IPM strategies helps to prevent the over-reliance on chemical control.
In conclusion, sucking pests can cause significant damage to the lentil crop, and farmers need to adopt various control measures. Cultural control, biological control, and chemical control are some of the methods of controlling the pests. Additionally, the adoption of IPM strategies can help to improve the overall health of the crop and the environment.