As a farmer, you know how challenging it can be to protect your crops from insects such as fruit borers that can completely destroy your harvest. If you’re growing brinjal, in particular, it is important to be aware of the shoot and fruit borer, as it can cause significant damage to your crop. Here’s what you need to know about controlling shoot and fruit borer in brinjal.
Identification of Shoot and Fruit Borer
The shoot and fruit borer is a common problem in brinjal cultivation. Adult female fruit borers lay eggs on the brinjal plants, and the larvae then hatch and bore into the stem, leaves, and fruits of the plant. The presence of small holes on the fruit or stem of the plant is usually the first sign of infestation. If left unchecked, the fruit borers can cause extensive damage to the entire crop, leading to significant losses.
Prevention and Control Measures
There are several measures you can take to control shoot and fruit borer in brinjal. Here are a few effective ways.
1. Crop Rotation
Avoid planting brinjal in the same field for multiple years in a row. Since the shoot and fruit borer overwinters in the soil, crop rotation can significantly reduce the likelihood of the pest spreading in your farm.
2. Early Planting
By planting your brinjal early in the season, you can take advantage of the plant’s growth and damage will be minimal during the pest’s peak activity period.
3. Trap Crops
Planting trap crops like datura, jimson weed, and castor in the vicinity of your brinjal plants can help prevent shoot and fruit borer attack. The pest is attracted to trap crops, and spraying on them will limit the amount of pesticides used on the brinjal crop.
4. Pesticides
There are several effective pesticides available for controlling shoot and fruit borers in brinjal. Insecticides containing Spinosad and Bacillus thuringiensis are recommended if you want to use pesticides.
5. Handpicking and destroying infected fruits
Carefully inspect your brinjal plants and pick off any infected fruits or stems that show signs of infestation, and then destroy them by burning or by burying them.
Conclusion
As a farmer, it’s essential to always be on the lookout for pests that can cause significant damage to your crop. By implementing these control measures, you can prevent and control shoot and fruit borer damage in your brinjal crop, ensuring a healthy and profitable harvest.