Save Your Chickpea Crop Now! Get Rid of Green Caterpillars with These Methods

chickpea

Krishi Dunia

• 06 Feb, 2025 02:09 PM IST ,
• Updated Sat, 08 Feb 2025 12:57 PM

Chickpea farming has proven to be a profitable venture for farmers, but this season, the risk of pests and diseases has increased significantly. According to experts, if the number of birds in your chickpea fields increases, it is an early warning sign of pod borer infestation. In this article, we will discuss how to protect your crops from harmful pests like pod borers and cutworms.

Pod Borer Infestation: Risk and Identification:

The pod borer is one of the most dangerous pests for chickpea crops. The larvae of this pest are initially light green but turn brown as they mature. They bore holes into the pods and destroy the seeds inside, leading to significant yield loss.

How to Identify Pod Borer Attack in Your Crop?

• A sudden increase in the number of birds in the field.
• Small holes visible on chickpea pods.
• Partially eaten seeds inside the pods.
• Green leaves of the crop gradually turning yellow.

Methods to Control Pod Borer:

Chemical Control:

• As soon as the pods start forming, spray Monocrotophos 36 EC (750 ml) or Fenvalerate 20 EC (500 ml) mixed with 500-600 liters of water per hectare.
• The first spray should be done after 50% flowering.
• If these chemicals are not available, Methyl Parathion 2% solution (25 kg) can be used for spraying.

Biological Control:

• Use Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus (NPV) 250-350 LE mixed with 600 liters of water for spraying.
• Install light traps in the field to attract and trap insects.
• Set up bird perches in the field, as birds eat the eggs of pod borers, helping control their population.

How to Protect Your Crop from Cutworms?

Cutworms damage chickpea crops by cutting young stems and branches. To protect your crop, follow these methods:

Chemical Control:

• Apply 0.4% Fenvalerate powder (10 kg per hectare) as dust treatment.
• Additional insecticides can be sprayed as needed.

Biological Control:

• Spray 5% neem seed kernel extract or 3% neem oil solution.
• Install locust-catching nets in the field to reduce their numbers.

Why is Chickpea Farming Profitable?

The prices of pulses are rising rapidly as production remains lower than demand. This year, chickpea cultivation has already covered approximately 99 lakh hectares, making it a promising crop for farmers. However, timely pest and disease control is crucial for a successful harvest.

If you notice an increase in birds in your chickpea field, it could be a sign of a pod borer attack. Take immediate preventive measures to protect your crop. Both biological and chemical control methods are effective, but using insecticides at the right time is essential. Follow these guidelines to ensure a healthy and profitable chickpea harvest.