Chickpea crop: Follow these measures to save the chickpea crop from insect attacks
Chickpea crop: After the Rabi season, farmers are facing the problem of pest infestation in crops. Caterpillars in particular cause serious damage to the chickpea crop. If it is not managed in time, the crop can be completely destroyed. Agricultural experts advise farmers to take active steps to control pests in chickpea crop. This will increase production and protect the crop from damage.
According to Dr. GS Kulmi, Senior Scientist and Director of Khargone Krishi Vigyan Kendra, installing light traps and pheromone traps in the fields can help protect crops from pest infestation. Apart from this, some organic medicines can also be sprayed. However, farmers should take this step 20 to 25 days after sowing the seeds. It is not advisable to wait for the disease to appear.
Benefits of using night trap in chickpea
Chickpea is prone to portfly and caterpillar (Helothis) infestation. To avoid this, light traps should be installed in the fields 20 to 25 days after planting. As a result, adult insects are attracted to the light, and get trapped in the light trap box. As a result, the pests can be easily controlled and they are unable to reproduce. For this, one light trap should be installed per acre.
Benefits of installing pheroman traps
Additionally, pheroman traps can be used. For gram, a separate pheroman trap is provided. Here gram lure should be used. It releases a unique smell that attracts adult insects. As a result of this smell, the insects get trapped in the pheroman trap. Additionally, it prevents male and female insects from mating, which prevents the production of eggs and controls the pests.
Spraying of organic medicine
Additionally, organic medicines can be used. Spray 400 ml per acre (one kilogram per hectare) of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae medicines. Remember to spray the drugs during flowering and when the corn cobs are growing. Apart from this, a biological drug called NPV virus can also be sprayed. Remember that only a dose of 300 LE should be applied per acre.
