Sucking Pest Control in Gram Crop: Tips to Avoid Crop Loss
Gram crop, also known as chickpea, is one of the most important legume crops grown worldwide. Chickpeas are rich in proteins, fiber, and essential minerals, making them suitable for human consumption and animal feed. However, like any other crop, gram plantations are prone to pests and diseases that can significantly impact the yield and quality of the harvest. One of the most damaging pest groups that affect gram crops is the “sucking pests,” which feed on the sap of plants, leading to reduced growth, yellowing, and wilting of leaves, and even death of the plant. Here are some tips to control sucking pests in gram crops:
1. Identify the Sucking Pests
The first step in any pest control program is to identify the target pests accurately. Sucking pests that affect the gram crop include aphids, whiteflies, jassids, thrips, and mites. These pests can be identified based on their size, shape, color, and behavior. For instance, aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that are often green or yellow, while whiteflies are tiny white insects that fly when disturbed. Jassids are green or brown winged insects that hop when disturbed, while thrips are tiny black or pale insects with fringed wings. Mites are not insects but arachnids and can be identified by their eight legs.
2. Use Biological Control Agents
Biological control agents, such as predatory insects and mites, can help control sucking pests in gram crops. Ladybirds, lacewings, and parasitic wasps are some of the natural enemies of aphids and whiteflies and can be introduced into the crop field to reduce the pest populations. If the pest infestation is severe, the use of biological control agents can be combined with insecticides for better results.
3. Crop Rotation
Crop rotation is another effective method to control sucking pests in gram crops. This method involves alternating the gram crop with other crops that are not susceptible to the same pests and diseases, reducing the pest pressure on the gram crop. Crop rotation also improves soil quality and fertility, leading to better crops in the long run.
4. Use of Insecticides
Insecticides can also be used to control sucking pests in gram crops. However, the indiscriminate use of insecticides can lead to environmental pollution, increase pest resistance, and harm beneficial insects that are natural enemies of sucking pests. Therefore, the use of insecticides should be done judiciously and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Sanitation
Good sanitation practices, such as removing weed hosts, removing infected or dead plant debris, and properly disposing of plant residues, can also reduce the populations of sucking pests in gram crops. Sucking pests often hide in weeds, crop debris, and other plant materials, making plantations attractive sites for infestation. Therefore, keeping the crop field clean and free of such materials can go a long way in preventing pest infestations.
Conclusion
Preventing and controlling sucking pests in gram crops is essential to ensure high yields and good quality crops. A combination of biological, mechanical, and chemical control methods can be used to effectively manage sucking pests. Remember, early detection, and timely intervention are key to successful pest control in gram crops.