Sure, here’s an article on Leaf Caterpillar Management in Blackgram:
Leaf Caterpillar Management in Blackgram
Blackgram, also known as urad dal or black lentil, is an important pulse crop grown in several parts of India. However, the crop is often prone to pests and diseases, which can lead to significant yield losses. One such pest of blackgram is the leaf caterpillar, which can cause defoliation and reduce the quality and yield of the crop. In this article, we’ll discuss the management of leaf caterpillar in blackgram.
Identification of Leaf Caterpillar
Leaf caterpillar, or Spodoptera litura, is a common pest of blackgram. The caterpillar is about 3-4 cm long and has a greenish-brown body with a yellowish stripe along its back. The head capsule is brown with light markings. The adult moth is light brown with a wingspan of about 3-4 cm.
The caterpillar feeds on the leaves of blackgram, causing irregular holes and defoliation. It also feeds on the flowers and pods, which can reduce the yield and quality of the crop. The pest is most active during the monsoon season and can cause significant damage if left unchecked.
Management of Leaf Caterpillar
The management of leaf caterpillar in blackgram involves several cultural and chemical control measures. Here are some of the effective methods for controlling leaf caterpillar.
Cultural Control Measures
1. Use Healthy Seed: Always use healthy seed for sowing, which is free from pests and diseases.
2. Crop Rotation: Practice crop rotation to break the pest cycle. Do not grow blackgram in the same field for two consecutive years.
3. Field Sanitation: Remove and destroy the crop residues and weeds after harvest to reduce the pest population.
4. Trapping: Place light traps in the vicinity of the blackgram field to attract and capture the adult moths.
Chemical Control Measures
If the pest population exceeds the economic threshold level (ETL), then chemical control measures can be used. Here are some of the effective insecticides for controlling leaf caterpillar in blackgram.
1. Emamectin benzoate: 5 SG 10 g/ha
2. Indoxacarb: 14.5 SC 100 ml/ha or 22.8 SC 60 ml/ha
3. Chlorantraniliprole: 18.5 SC 70 ml/ha or 20.3 SE 120 ml/ha
4. Spinosad: 45 SC 60 ml/ha
Always follow the recommended dosage and application method while using chemical insecticides. Spray the insecticides during the early morning or evening hours, as the pest is most active during this time.
Conclusion
Leaf caterpillar is a common pest of blackgram, which can cause significant yield losses. The management of the pest involves several cultural and chemical control measures. Always use healthy seed, practice crop rotation, and field sanitation to reduce the pest population. If the pest population exceeds the ETL, then chemical insecticides can be used. However, always follow the recommended dosage and application method while using the insecticides. By adopting these measures, the impact of leaf caterpillar on blackgram can be minimized.