Pea Farmers, Beware! Risk of Yield Loss Due to Cutworm Pest, Learn How to Protect Your Crops!

Cutworm Pest Issue in Pea Crops

Krishi Dunia

• 13 Jan, 2025 11:30 AM IST ,
• Updated Mon, 13 Jan 2025 12:30 PM

Pea cultivation is a lucrative business for farmers, but in recent times, the cutworm pest has emerged as a significant threat to this crop. Farmers across several regions of India, including Uttar Pradesh, are facing this issue. If timely control is not exercised over this pest, it can seriously affect the yield and quality of peas. Some simple and effective measures recommended by agricultural experts can help alleviate this problem. Let’s explore these solutions.

Cutworm Pest Issue in Pea Crops

Pea farming is a vital agricultural activity for Indian farmers, as both green and dry peas offer good income. However, the infestation of the cutworm pest hampers the quality of green peas, preventing farmers from getting a fair price. Initially, this pest damages the leaves and eventually destroys the pods.
If the pest is not controlled in time, it can lead to a significant decline in production. Therefore, it is crucial for farmers to recognize the symptoms of the cutworm pest and take appropriate measures promptly.

Measures to Prevent Cutworm Pest Damage

Agricultural experts have suggested three primary methods to control the cutworm pest. By following these methods, farmers can protect their crops from this problem.

1. Use of Pheromone Traps

Pheromone traps are an effective solution for controlling the cutworm pest population.

• Set up pheromone traps 15-20 days after sowing.
• These traps disrupt the pest’s life cycle, preventing their numbers from increasing.
• For additional protection against other pests, spray neem oil. Mix 1 liter of water with 1 teaspoon of shampoo and neem oil and spray it on the crops. This protects the crops from other pests as well.

2. Use of Trichogramma Cards

Trichogramma cards are also effective in controlling the cutworm pest.

• Place two trichogramma cards per acre.
• These cards help effectively reduce the pest population.
• Ensure the cards are placed in the correct locations for optimal results.

3. Use of Chemical Pesticides

If the cutworm infestation increases, it becomes necessary to use chemical pesticides.

• The following pesticides can be used:
  • NPV (H) 2% AS
  • Bacillus thuringiensis (1 kg)
  • Azadirachtin 0.03% WSP (2.5 to 3 kg)
• Mix these pesticides in 600 liters of water and spray them over the crops.
• This method is suitable for one hectare of land.
• Use these chemicals only when the pest infestation is visibly apparent.

Important Tips for Farmers

• Regular Monitoring: Conduct regular inspections of the crop and take immediate action as soon as symptoms of the cutworm pest are noticed.
• Opt for Organic and Natural Methods: Avoid excessive use of chemical pesticides and prioritize organic options.
• Adopt Crop Rotation: Implementing crop rotation can significantly reduce pest issues.

Conclusion

Protecting pea crops from cutworm pests can be a significant challenge for farmers, but by adopting the right measures at the right time, this issue can be controlled effectively. Methods like using pheromone traps, trichogramma cards, and chemical pesticides have proven to be effective in safeguarding the crops. By also prioritizing organic solutions, farmers can maintain crop quality while ensuring environmental safety. It is advisable for farmers to remain vigilant in crop care and follow expert recommendations for the best results.