How to Protect Your Gram Crop from Pod Borer and Gram Caterpillar: Effective Solutions from Agricultural Scientists

gram crop diseases

Krishi Dunia

• 17 Dec, 2024 11:30 AM IST ,
• Updated Tue, 17 Dec 2024 12:30 PM

Gram (Chana) is a major rabi season crop grown on a large scale across India. Farmers in various states, including Maharashtra, rely on gram cultivation for their livelihood. However, during the winter months, the attack of pod borer, wall borer, and gram caterpillar can pose a serious challenge for farmers. If these pests are not managed in time, they can cause significant damage to the crop and adversely affect its yield. Agricultural scientists and experts have suggested several effective measures to deal with these issues. Let's understand the pest management techniques in detail.

1. Managing Pod Borer (Fali Chedak):

Identification of Pod Borer:

• Initially, this pest feeds on leaves and, as the pods form, it makes holes and hollows out the seeds inside.
• The larvae start off green in color and turn dark brown as they mature.

Management Solutions:

1. Destroy Eggs and Larvae: To prevent the spread of pod borer, collect and destroy the eggs and larvae present in the field.
2. Use of Pheromone Traps: Install 4-5 pheromone traps per hectare to attract the pests and control their numbers.
3. Tobacco Leaf Solution: Prepare a 3% solution of tobacco leaves and spray it during the flowering and pod formation stages.
4. Azadirachtin Spray: Spray 5 ml of 1500 PPM (0.15% EC) azadirachtin diluted in 1 liter of water.
5. Biological Control:
   • Spray Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus (NPV) at 50% flowering.
   • Use Bacillus thuringiensis 15 days after the NPV spray.
6. Chemical Pesticides: If the infestation is severe, use chemical pesticides as per departmental recommendations. Spray during early morning or evening hours.

2. Managing Wall Borer and Gram Caterpillar:

Nature of Damage:

• Wall borer and gram caterpillar larvae feed on leaves, flowers, and new branches, causing damage.
• This issue is particularly severe when the field is waterlogged or the weather remains consistently cloudy.

Management Solutions:

1. 5% Nibola Spray: As a biological control measure, spray Nibola to effectively control these pests.
2. Use of Emamectin Benzoate: Mix 0.5 grams of emamectin benzoate per liter of water and spray it on the crop.
3. Use of Pheromone Traps: Install 5-12 work-scented pheromone traps per hectare to attract and reduce the pest population.
4. Use of Birds: Create bird shelters in the field, so that birds can naturally control the pests.

3. Integrated Pest Management (IPM): An Effective Approach to Crop Protection:

According to Dr. Lalasahab Tambde, adopting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the most effective way to protect gram crops from pests.

Key Management Measures:

• Regular Field Monitoring: Regularly monitor the field to detect pests and their eggs in the early stages.
• Use of Biological Fungicides: Biological fungicides such as Trichoderma and Verticillium lecanii are beneficial for crops.
• Proper Drainage: Ensure proper drainage to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to an increase in pests.
• Weed Control: Regularly remove weeds from the field.
• Biological Measures: Use neem oil spray and organic fertilizers. This not only controls pests but also nourishes the crops.

Conclusion: Vigilance is Key for Bumper Yield:

To protect the gram crop from pests, timely management is crucial. Agricultural scientists emphasize controlling pests with a preference for organic and natural methods.

Suggestions:

• Use pesticides carefully and adopt eco-friendly measures.
• Regular monitoring, balanced nutrition, and proper management can protect the crop from damage.

These measures will not only protect the crop from pests but also increase production. According to Dr. Tambde, "Adopting timely and correct methods will improve the crop's quality and yield, ensuring farmers get the rightful benefit of their hard work.