Certainly, here is information regarding the control of hairy caterpillar (sundi) in sorghum crops:
Sorghum crops are an essential part of agriculture in many regions worldwide, as they provide grain for human consumption, animal feed and industrial uses. However, sorghum crops are often threatened by pests such as the hairy caterpillar (sundi), which can cause significant damage to the plants. Therefore, it is crucial to know how to control this pest, and here are some methods to consider:
1. Cultural Control
Cultural control includes the use of farming practices that reduce the likelihood of the pest infestation. For instance, intercropping sorghum with legume crops such as cowpea or soybean provides natural predators for the hairy caterpillar. Additionally, crop rotation helps to break the pest’s life cycle by interrupting its availability of food.
2. Mechanical Control
Mechanical control methods are suitable for localized hairy caterpillar infestations. These techniques include hand-picking the larvae and squashing them or using tools like a sweeping net to catch and remove them early in the morning or late in the evening when the larvae are most active.
3. Biological control
Biological control involves using natural enemies of the pest to control its population. In this case, parasitoids and predators such as Braconids wasps and spiders could be introduced to the crop. However, it is vital to consider the undesirable effects that the use of these organisms could cause to other beneficial insects in the ecosystem.
4. Chemical Control
Chemical control of the hairy caterpillar is the last resort when all other methods have failed. Chemical pesticides work by poisoning the pest larvae, but it is important to note that they can also harm beneficial insects, thereby causing ecological imbalances. Farmers must also follow the instructions on the label when applying the pesticides to prevent crop contamination and ensure safety to human and animal health.
In conclusion, controlling hairy caterpillar infestations in sorghum crops can be challenging, but with a combination of cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical methods, farmers can prevent significant yield losses and minimize the economic impact of this pest.