Moong, also known as green gram, is an important pulse crop in many parts of the world. Unfortunately, it is vulnerable to a range of sucking pests that can cause severe damage to the crop. If left unchecked, these pests can significantly reduce the yield and quality of the moong crop. In this article, we will discuss some effective measures to control sucking pests in moong crops.
Identify the pests
The first step is to identify the sucking pests that are attacking the moong crop. The common sucking pests that attack moong include aphids, jassids, thrips, and whiteflies. These pests suck the sap from the leaves, stems, and flowers, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. Early detection of pests is important to avoid severe infestation and yield loss.
Cultural Practices
Cultural practices such as crop rotation, timely sowing, intercropping, and maintaining plant health are essential in controlling sucking pests in moong crops. Crop rotation aids in reducing pest populations by breaking pest’s life cycles. Planting moong early reduces the damage from pest infestation. Intercropping with crops like maize or beans, which serve as trap crops, can divert pest attention from moong plants. Maintaining optimal plant health through regular irrigation and fertilizer application can assist the plant resist pest invasion by increasing the yield resistance.
Mechanical control
Mechanical methods include physically removing the infected plant parts or using wire mesh or nets to cover the crop. These methods aim to interrupt the pest’s life cycle to obstruct the reproductive mechanisms.
Biological Control
Biological controls, such as ladybugs, praying mantis, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, can help control sucking pests in the moong crop. These insects and their larvae feed on the pests, reducing their population. Introducing predators such as ladybugs may bring immediate results in controlling pest populations. Meticulous farming operations will reduce their adverse effects on the environment and familiar organisms.
Chemical Control
Chemical control involves using synthetic pesticides or insecticides to control pest infestation. Because organic farming is becoming increasingly prevalent, the farmer must first choose sustainable pest management methods. Insecticides must be used judiciously as its improper application poses a risk of environmental pollution.
In conclusion, controlling sucking pests in moong crops is possible with proper identification and application of appropriate pest management methods. Integrated pest management that employs biological controls coupled with cultural practices and mechanical control is a sustainable approach. However, if the infestation remains severe, chemicals may be necessary. Chemical control application must be kept to a minimum and used safely to prevent harm to people or the environment.