Sucking Pests Problem in Crops: Jassid, Aphid, Whiteflies
Sucking pests are a major problem in agriculture as they can cause significant damage to crops. Some common sucking pests that farmers face include jassids, aphids, and whiteflies. These pests feed on plant sap, causing wilting, defoliation, and stunted growth. If left untreated, an infestation of these pests could lead to crop failure. It is important to identify these pests as early as possible and implement suitable pest control measures.
Jassids, also known as leafhoppers, are small insects with wedge-shaped bodies that vary in color, from green to brown. They are primarily a problem for cotton, okra, and vegetables such as tomato and chili. The jassid’s feeding causes yellowing and crinkling of leaves, leading to a reduction of photosynthesis and boll formation in cotton. Jassid populations increase during dry hot weather conditions. The primary mode of control of jassids is chemical control, and use of Neem-based products is quite effective.
Aphids are usually soft-bodied insects that are pear-shaped and come in different colors, ranging from green to black. They spread viruses in addition to sucking the sap from the plant. Aphids are a major problem for several crops such as cotton, vegetables, and cereals. The damage caused by aphids includes wilted leaves, distortion, and curling. Aphids also produce honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold on the plant leaves. The most effective method to control aphids is through biological control, which includes the use of natural enemies, such as ladybugs and lacewings. Chemical control measures should only be used if the crop is extremely vulnerable.
Whiteflies are small winged insects that get their name because of their white appearance. They are a problem for crops such as cotton, okra, and vegetables such as tomato, cucumber, and beans. Whiteflies damage the plant by inserting their stylet into the plant tissue and sucking sap. This leads to yellowing, stunted growth, and wilting of the plant. The damage is worsened by honeydew production, which is their excretion. Yellow sticky traps can be used to monitor the number of whiteflies in the field and use of systemic insecticides would help in controlling whitefly infestations.
In conclusion, the sucking pests, jassids, aphids, and whiteflies are some of the most damaging agricultural pests. If not properly controlled, the damage they cause can lead to significant crop losses. Farmers should monitor their crops regularly to identify the early signs of infestation and apply a suitable control measure. Integrated pest management practices involving biological and chemical control should be employed to manage these pests effectively. Farmers should opt for natural and eco-friendly methods of controlling the pests as far as possible.