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Land Preparation For Tomato Crop

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July 6, 2023

Are you planning to grow tomatoes? That’s fantastic! But before you dive into the exciting planting process, it’s important to ensure that your field is well-nourished and properly prepared. In this article, we will be sharing some valuable insights on the best practices for making your field ready for a successful tomato crop. So, let’s get started!

Best Practices for Preparing Your Field for Tomato Cultivation

Tilling or Ploughing

The first step in preparing your field is tilling the land, also known as ploughing, which involves cutting, breaking, and inverting the soil. Tilling mechanically loosens and breaks up the soil and also helps in creating an optimal environment for seed germination and root growth. This process enhances air and water flow to the plant roots, thereby promoting healthy development.

Tilling the land also ensures that the minerals present in the soil are well-mixed and easily accessible to the crops, further enhancing their growth. This step sets a strong foundation for your tomato cultivation.

Note: While tilling is crucial, make sure that you are not over-tilling the soil, as excessive tilling can lead to the loss of soil structure and fertility, erosion, and damage to beneficial soil microorganisms. Striking a balance between loosening the soil for planting and maintaining its overall structure and health is essential.

Harrowing

The next step after tilling is harrowing, which smoothens and pulverizes the soil to a shallow depth. It helps create a finer seedbed and prepares the soil for subsequent operations.

Harrowing is followed by the application of Farmyard Manure (FYM). FYM supplies nutrients and enhances the solubility and availability of nutrients in the soil. It also boosts microbial activity, further enriching the soil.

Recommended dose of FYM: 12 tons of FYM/acre

Making Ridges and Furrows

The last step in tilling involves making ridges and furrows. These make intercultural operations easier throughout the growth cycle.

Recommended spacing for ridges and furrows: 60-75 cm. This specific spacing helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases, ensuring the overall health of your tomato plants.

Application of Biofertilizers and Bioagents

To further enhance soil health and protect against pests and diseases, consider using beneficial microorganisms.

Recommended beneficial microorganisms: Trichoderma, Pseudomonas, and Paceliomyces.

These beneficial microorganisms can be mixed with neem cake, Pongamia cake, and FYM for improved results.

Application method: Broadcast the basal dose 7 to 10 days after applying biofertilizer.

Setting up the Irrigation-Drip System

Additionally, for improved irrigation and water use efficiency in your tomato field, it is recommended to lay down inline drip lateral pipes.

Recommended pipe specifications: Use pipes with a diameter of 12 or 16 mm.

Note: These pipes should be laid at a 2-feet distance throughout the field.

Conclusion

Remember, a well-prepared land is crucial in tomato cultivation as it lays the foundation for a high-quality yield. Make sure to follow the best practices and essential steps listed in this article for optimal crop growth and a higher yield.

The Ultimate Guide To Fertilizing Tomato Plants: Dosages And Nutrients For Each Growth Stage 

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July 4, 2023

The Ultimate Guide to Fertilizing Tomato Plants: Dosages and Nutrients for Each Growth Stage

As a farmer, you know that the right dosage of nutrients can help grow the best-looking and best-tasting tomatoes that sell fast. One crucial element in this process is the use of NPK fertilizers. Knowing when and how much fertilizer to apply can make all the difference in producing a bumper crop of tomatoes that are not only beautiful but also nutritious. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through the different stages of growth and the recommended fertilizers for each stage. 

Understanding the Importance of Fertilizing Tomato Plants 

According to experts, it’s important to understand why your tomato plant needs fertilizers. During the different stages of growth, your tomato plant requires different nutrients for healthy growth. 

The Seedling Stage: Dosages for White Roots and Shoot Tip Formation

During this stage, which occurs 10-15 days after transplanting, it’s recommended to drench your plants with a mix of humic and fulvic acid, seaweed extract, and blue copper. This mix helps with white roots and shoot tip formation and controls fungal diseases. 

As farmer Suresh explains, “I have seen significant improvement in root growth after using humic and fulvic acid on my tomato seedlings. It also helps the plant withstand drought and heat stress.” 

NPK Dosage during the seedling stage;

Humic and Fulvic acid – 5ml/litre water 
Seaweed Extract – 2ml/litre water 
Blue Copper at the rate of 2gm/litre of water

The Rooting Stage: Dosages for Healthy Root System

Between 15-25 days after planting, your tomato plant enters the rooting stage. This stage requires a first dose of 13:40:13 NPK fertilizer, which aids in root formation. The dose can be given via fertigation or drenching. 

As farmer Ravi Shankar shares, “I use 13:40:13 NPK for my tomato plants during the rooting stage, and it has helped my plants develop a healthy root system. I use fertigation as it helps in uniform distribution of the fertilizer.” 

NPK Dosage via fertigation during the rooting stage;

First dose: 13:40:13 – either 2 kilograms/acre for fertigation or 5 to 10 gm/litre of water for drenching – phosphorous aids in root formation 
Second dose: 2 kilograms/acre of 12:61:00 with 2 litres of Humic and Fulvic acid
Third dose: 13:40:13 – 2 kilograms/acre

The Vegetative Stage: Dosages for Lush Green Leaves

From 25-40 days after transplanting, your tomato plant enters the vegetative stage. During this stage, it’s recommended to use a 19:19:19 NPK fertilizer to support foliar or canopy formation. Additionally, a mixture of 20:20:20 NPK fertilizer and magnesium sulphate can be used to develop chlorophyll in leaves which helps n effective photosynthesis and correct the deficiency of the nutrient if any. 

According to farmer Gopal Yadav, “I use a mixture of 19:19:19 NPK and magnesium sulphate during the vegetative stage, and it has helped my plants grow lush green leaves.” 

NPK Dosage during the vegetative stage; 

First dose: 19:19:19 NPK fertilizer – 2.5 kilogram/acre 
Second dose: Mixture of 2.5 kg/acre of 20:20:20 NPK fertilizer and 1kg/acre of Magnesium Sulphate 
Third dose: 2.5 kg/acre of 19:19:19 NPK

The Flowering Stage: Dosages for Healthy Pollen Formation

The flowering stage occurs between 40-50 days after planting. During this stage, it’s recommended to use a 16:08:24 NPK fertilizer to supply ample quantity of nutrients that are required for the plant at flowering stage and a foliar spray of Allbor which contains boron helps in the formation of healthy pollen in the flowers. Additionally, a mixture of 00:52:34 NPK fertilizer and Zinc sulphate can be used to prevent zinc deficiency that affects the growth and development of the tomato plant. 

As farmer Mahesh Linganna explains, “I have applied 16:08:24 through drip and foliar spray of Allbor during the flowering stage, and it has helped my plants set a good number of flowers that turn into healthy fruits.” 

NPK Dosage during the flowering stage; 

First dose: Application of 16:08:24 NPK at a rate of 3.5 kilograms per acre.  Foliar spray of Allbor @ 1 gm/lit water. 
Second dose: Application of 3.5 kilograms per acre of 00:52:34 NPK fertilizer with 500 grams of zinc sulphate per acre.  
Third dose: Application of 16:08:24 NPK at a rate of 3.5kg/acre.

The Fruiting Stage: Dosages for Healthy and Juicy Tomatoes

Between 50-65 days after transplanting, your tomato plant enters the fruiting or reproductive stage. During this stage, it’s recommended to supply 13:00:45 fertilizer and also foliar spray of Multiplex Kranti to treat calcium deficiency that triggers blossom-end rot in tomato crops. The potassium in the NPK fertilizer helps in fruit development, which is responsible for the size, colour, and taste of the fruit. 

As farmer Jaya Raja shares, “I have given 13:00:45 to the crop using Drip and a foliar spray of Multiplex Kranti during the fruiting stage, and it has helped my plants produce healthy and juicy tomatoes.” 

NPK Dosage during the fruiting stage; 

First dose: Application of 13:00:45 NPK at the rate of 4 to 5 kg/acre . Foliar spray of Multiplex Kranti at the rate of 1.5 ml/lit water. 
Second dose: Application of 4 to 5 kg/acre of Calcium Nitrate with 500 gm of Fe EDDHA. 
Third dose: Application of 13:00:45 NPK at the rate of 4 to 5 kg/acre.

The Harvesting Stage: Dosages for a Vibrant Red Colour

Finally, at approximately 65-80 days after transplantation, your tomato plant enters the harvesting stage. During this stage, it’s recommended to apply a mixture of 00:00:50 NPK and 18% sulphur to provide a healthy red colour to the fruit and improve the flavour. This mixture can be applied through foliar spray or drenching. 

As farmer Puttappa explains, “I use a mixture of 00:00:50 NPK and 18% sulphur during the harvesting stage, and it has helped my tomatoes develop a bright red colour and delicious flavour, which is important for marketability.” 

NPK Dosage during the harvesting stage; 

First dose: Apply a mixture of 00:00:50 NPK and 18% Sulphur (4 to 5 kg/acre).
Second dose: Application of 00:52:34 NPK at the rate of 4 to 5 kg/acre mixed with 500 gm of Fe EDDHA.
Third dose: Application of 00:00:50 NPK mixed with 18% Sulphur at the rate of 4 to 5 kg/acre.

Fertilization after the first harvest

After the first harvest, the recommended NPK is 00:52:34 Fertilization during this stage is crucial to promote new shoots and fruit development. Later, during the fruiting stage for the following harvest, the recommended NPK is 13:00:45 and 00:00:50 to enhance the fruit colour, size, and shine of the fruits. You can repeat this process for three to four pickings.  

After the third or fourth picking use 13:40:13 NPK to promote the growth of new shoots. Later, use 20:20:20 to initiate fruiting. Follow this until the last harvest.  

Conclusion 

Fertilizing tomato plants is essential for optimal growth and yields. It’s important to understand the different stages of growth and the nutrients required for each stage. By following the recommended fertilizers and dosages, farmers can grow healthy and high-quality tomatoes that are in demand in the market. 

Defending Cotton: Best Practices For White Fly Management

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June 15, 2023

Defending Cotton: Best Practices For White Fly Management

Whitefly in Cotton , Attention farmers! Prepare to confront a common and persistent threat in your cotton fields.

In this article, we will equip you with practical knowledge on effectively managing this tiny yet formidable pest. Whether you have already encountered cotton whiteflies or wish to stay proactive, we’re here to provide you with the information you need to safeguard your precious cotton crops. Let’s dive in and explore the intricate world of cotton whiteflies, arming you with the necessary tools to protect your fields and ensure a successful harvest.

Type of Infestation

Both nymphs and adults suck the sap from the lower surface of the leaves and cause damage to cotton plants.

Scientific Name: Bemisia tabaci

Most Affected States due to Whitefly in Cotton

It is the most serious pest during summer months, occurs in all cotton growing areas in India like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh etc.

Symptoms of Whitefly in Cotton

Both nymphs and adults of the whitefly suck the sap from lower surface of the cotton plants.
As a result of sucking, chlorotic spots can be seen on the leaves.
In case of severe infestations premature defoliation can occur.
It also leads to poor boll opening and shedding of affected buds and bolls.
Sooty mould growth can be observed on the infested leaves, which is the result of honey dew secreted by whitefly.
Whitefly also transmits “Leaf curl virus” disease in cotton.

Whitefly in Cotton Control Measures

If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above in your cotton field, implement an integrated pest management strategy that includes cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical measures to control their infestation.

Whitefly in Cotton Cultural Measures

Avoid late sowing to reduce the whitefly infestation.
Cultivate white fly tolerant varieties like Amravathi, Kanchan, Supriya, Lk 861, LPS 141.
Perform crop rotation with non-preferred hosts like sorghum, ragi, maize etc.
Avoid using excessive dozes of nitrogenous fertilizers, as this can lead to succulent growth which encourages whitefly population.
Remove the alternate weed hosts like Abutilon indicum, Solanum nigrum from the cotton fields and neighboring areas.
Maintain healthy plant growth by providing adequate irrigation.

Mechanical Measures

Collect and destroy the whitefly infested leaves from the cotton plants.
Install Tapas Yellow Sticky Traps at the rate of 6 to 8 traps per acre to effectively control whiteflies in cotton field.

Whitefly in Cotton Biological Measures

Release predators like mirid bug, dragonfly, spider, robber fly, praying mantis, fire ants, coccinellids, lacewings, big eyed bugs to prey on the cotton whiteflies.
Also encourage parasitoids such as Encarsia species, Eretmocerus species to keep the whitefly population in check.
Amruth Alestra Liquid (Bio Insecticide) contains strains of naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungus Verticillium lecanii which comes in contact with the cuticle of the cotton whiteflies and colonizes them. The recommended dosage is 2ml per liter of water.
Greenpeace Neemol Bio Neem Oil Insecticide contains neem-based products azadirachtin which when used at the rate of 1-2 ml per liter of water with 15 days interval between each spray can effectively control whiteflies in cotton field.
Anshul Bio Finish is a broad spectrum biopesticide containing active ingredients derived from many plants. Use Anshul Bio Finish biopesticide at the rate of 3-5ml per liter of water at regular intervals of 10-12 days for effective control of cotton whiteflies.

Whitefly in Cotton Chemical Measures

Chemical measures include the use of commercial chemicals to control whitefly population. Some commonly used insecticides for controlling cotton whiteflies include,

Product Name	Technical Content	Dosage
Tatamida SL Insecticide	Imidacloprid 17.8% SL	1-2 ml/lit water
Kaitaku Insecticide	Acetamiprid 20 % SP	1 gm/lit
Actara Insecticide	Thiamethoxam 25 % WG	0.5 gm/lit water
Sumiprempt Insecticide	Pyriproxifen 5% EC + Fenpropathrin 15% EC	1.5 ml/lit water
Tychi Insecticide	Tolfenpyrad 15% EC	2 ml/lit water
Oberon Insecticide	Spiromesifen 22.9 % SC	0.3 ml/lit water
Lancer Gold Insecticide	Acephate 50 % + Imidacloprid 1.8 % SP	1 gm/lit water
Greenovate Miyogi Insecticide	Chlorpyrifos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% EC	2 ml/lit water
Pager Insecticide	Diafenthiuron 50% WP	0.5 gm/lit water
Ulala Insecticide	Flonicamid 50% WG	0.3 gm/lit water

Learn Cotton Disease Management for Higher Yields And Bigger Profits–CLICK HERE

Enhancing Sugarcane Yield And Sustainability Through Integrated Nutrient Management (INM)

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June 15, 2023

Enhancing Sugarcane Yield And Sustainability Through Integrated Nutrient Management

Are you worried about the depleting fertility of your soil? Have you noticed a decline in your crop’s productivity?

If so, it’s time to take action and restore the health of your soil to secure the long-term success of your sugarcane farm. Sugarcane is known for being an exhaustive crop, depleting vital soil nutrients. The continuous cultivation of sugarcane, coupled with imbalanced and exclusive use of inorganic fertilizers, has led to this situation. This poses a significant threat to the long-term productivity of your soil, ultimately impacting your farm’s profitability.

Don’t worry! The solution you’ve been seeking is here: Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). Discover the power of INM for higher yields and superior crop quality.

Why INM?

INM ensures that your sugarcane plants receive a balanced supply of essential nutrients, meeting their specific requirements for optimal growth and development.
Incorporating organic manures and biofertilizers improves soil fertility, enhancing nutrient availability and nutrient-holding capacity.
Promotes sustainable agricultural practices by reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers, minimizing environmental pollution and maintaining long-term soil health.
The use of organic amendments in an integrated approach promotes carbon sequestration in the soil, contributing to climate change mitigation.
Proper nutrient management enhances the resilience of sugarcane plants against pests and diseases.

Integrated Nutrient Management for Sugarcane

Bulky Organic Manures

Apply 4 – 6 tons of Farmyard manure (FYM) / compost or 2 tons of composted press mud for 1 acre field at the time of ploughing.

Green Manures

Green manure crops can be utilized in INM in 2 ways;

Seeds of green manure crops such as dhaincha or sunhemp can be sown in the field and allowed to grow for up to 40 days. Then, it can be incorporated into the field using rotavator. Sugarcane can be planted in that field. This increases the nitrogen content of the soil and will make crop grow lush green.
They can also be grown as an intercrop and incorporated into the field after 30 – 45 days after sowing. Give earthing up partially after applying N fertilizer 90 days after planting.

Biofertilizers

Apply 4 kg of Azospirillum or Phosphobacteria mixed with required quantity of compost or FYM for 1 acre field in two equal splits at 30 and 60 days after planting.

Trash Mulching

Apply a layer of cane trash uniformly across the ridges, ensuring a thickness of 10 cm, within one week of planting. It can be applied at the rate of 2 – 4 tons per acre. As the trash decomposes, it releases nutrients that enhance soil fertility. This also helps in the conservation of soil moisture, weed control and reduce shoot borer incidence.

Inorganic Fertilizers Application

For Northern zones: The general dose of NPK fertilizers is 60:32:24 kg/acre.

Fertilizer	Basal	30 DAP	60 DAP	90 DAP	120 DAP
Urea*	–	32.5 kg	32.5 kg	32.5 kg	32.5 kg
SSP	200 kg	–	–	–	–
MOP	–	10 kg	10 kg	10 kg	10 kg

*DAP – Days after Planting; SSP – Single super phosphate; MOP – Muriate of Potash

For Southern zones: The general dose of NPK recommendation is 120:40:49 kg/acre.

Fertilizer	Basal	30 DAP	60 DAP	90 DAP	120 DAP
Urea*	–	65 kg	65 kg	65 kg	65 kg
SSP	250 kg	–	–	–	–
MOP	–	20.5 kg	20.5 kg	20.5 kg	20.5 kg

*DAP – Days after Planting; SSP – Single super phosphate; MOP – Muriate of Potash

Micronutrient Application

Micronutrient Fertilizer	Dosage (per acre)
Zinc Sulphate	8 – 12 kg
Ferrous Sulphate	10 kg
Manganese Sulphate	4 kg
Copper Sulphate	1 kg
Borax	2 kg

When you observe deficiency symptoms of micronutrients in plants, give foliar application of the required fertilizers at 15 days interval till the deficiency symptoms disappear.

For Zn deficiency: Spray Zn EDTA 12% at 0.5 gm per lit water + 1% Urea.
For Fe deficiency: Spray Fe EDTA 12% at 3 gm per lit of water + 1% Urea.
For Cu deficiency; Spray Cu EDTA 12% at 0.5 gm per liter of water.

(Or) Spray Dow Micronutrient mix at 1 – 2 gm per liter of water to correct Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, B and Mo deficiency.

Note:

Always take soil test before cultivation of sugarcane to know the required amount of nutrients to the soil. If in case it is not taken, follow the blanket recommendation given above.
*Neem cake blended urea: To enhance the efficiency of urea, blend it with neem cake powder in a ratio of 4:1. To blend the Neem Cake, powder the necessary amount and thoroughly mix it with urea, allowing it to rest for 24 hours.
It is advisable to apply the mixture of urea and potash fertilizer in holes of 10 cm depth at intervals of 15 cm spacing on the sides of the plant rows.
Follow crop rotation of sugarcane plant – ratoon followed by maize, paddy, banana, turmeric, tapioca or vegetables.
Mix micro-nutrient fertilizers with well decomposed dung manure or compost and apply them as a basal dose in the furrows.

Defeating Cotton Thrips: A Guide For Successful Management

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June 15, 2023

Defeating Cotton Thrips: A Guide For Successful Management

If you’re facing concerns about cotton thrips affecting your crop, worry no more. We are here to provide you with valuable information and guidance on how to effectively deal with these pesky insects. You can identify them by their narrow, elongated body and fringed wings. Hot and dry conditions favor the growth and development of thrips. Equip yourself with knowledge by diving into this informative resource and tackle the challenges posed by cotton thrips.

Type of Infestation

Both nymphs and adults suck the sap from leaves and cause damage to cotton plants.

Scientific Name: Thrips tabaci

Most Affected States Due to Cotton Thrips

We can see cotton thrips in all cotton growing areas, but some of the most affected states include Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh.

Symptoms of Cotton Thrips

Both nymphs and adults suck the sap from the lower and upper surface of the cotton leaves.
In case of severe infestation, the affected leaves may curl up and crumble.
During the early stages of an attack, a silvery sheen can be observed on the lower surface of the leaves.
They also transmit tobacco leaf streak virus in cotton.

Cotton Thrips Control Measures

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods offer a comprehensive approach to effectively manage and control cotton thrips. This multifaceted strategy encompasses a range of techniques, including cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical measures, providing a holistic solution for thrips control in cotton cultivation.

Cotton Thrips Cultural Measures

Remove weeds and other debris in and around cotton fields regularly to reduce their population.
Avoid using excessive amounts of nitrogen fertilizers, as this can lead to succulent growth which encourages thrips population.
Maintain healthy plant growth by providing proper irrigation and adequate nutrients, which helps to reduce the impact of thrips on cotton crops.

Mechanical Measures

Remove and destroy the infested plant parts.
Tapas Yellow Sticky Trap can be used to control thrips in cotton field. Install 6-8 traps per acre for effective management.

Cotton Thrips Biological Measures

Kaybee Pesto Raze Insecticide is a bio pesticide containing botanical extracts, which has contact, partially systemic and fumigant actions on vast class of soft bodied insects including cotton thrips. To effectively control cotton thrips, spray Pesto raze insecticide at the rate of 2 ml per liter of water during early morning or late evening hours.
Control TRM Bio Pesticide is an organic blend of botanical extracts and alkaloids which has biological and toxicological properties. It is an effective product for controlling cotton thrips. The recommended dosage is 1.5-2 ml per liter of water.
Greenpeace Neemol Bio Neem Oil Insecticide contains neem-based products azadirachtin which when used at the rate of 1-2 ml per liter of water with 15 days interval between each spray can effectively control thrips in cotton fields.
Amruth Alestra Liquid and Amruth Almax Liquid are biological insecticides containing the strains of naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungi Verticillium lecanii and Beauveria bassiana respectively, which comes in contact with the cuticle of the cotton thrips and colonizes them. The recommended dosage is 2 ml per liter of water.

Cotton Thrips Chemical Measures

If the cotton thrips infestation becomes severe, it is necessary to take action to control their population. One effective approach is the utilization of commercial chemical insecticides. Below are some examples of insecticides commonly employed for controlling cotton thrips:

Product Name	Technical Content	Dosage
Delegate Insecticide	Spinetoram 11.7 % SC	0.9 ml/lit water
Admire Insecticide	Imidacloprid 70% WG	0.3 gm/lit water
Karate Insecticide	Lambdacyhalothrin 5% EC	1.5 ml/lit water
Nurelle D Insecticide	Chlorpyriphos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% EC	2 ml/lit water
Katyayani Thioxam	Thiamethoxam 25% WG	0.4 gm/lit water
Shinzen Plus Insecticide	Fipronil 5 % SC	3 ml/lit water
Benevia Insecticide	Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD	1 ml/lit water
Osheen Insecticide	Dinotefuran 20 % SG	0.5 gm/lit water
Keefun Insecticide	Tolfenpyrad 15% EC	1.5-2 ml/lit of water
Anshul Ikon Insecticide	Acetamiprid 20% S.P	0.5 gm/lit of water
Tracer Insecticide	Spinosad 44.03% SC	0.3 ml/lit of water
Tafgor Insecticide	Dimethoate 30% EC	2 ml/lit of water
Marshal Insecticide	Carbosulfan 25% EC	2.5 ml/lit water

Management Of Insect Pests In Cotton– Click Here

Tackling Tobacco Caterpillars In Cotton: Effective Strategies For Crop Protection

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June 10, 2023

Tackling Tobacco Caterpillars In Cotton: Effective Strategies For Crop Protection

Spodoptera litura, commonly known as tobacco caterpillar or tobacco cutworm, is a notorious pest that poses a significant threat to cotton cultivation by impacting crop yield and quality. This polyphagous insect feeds voraciously on cotton leaves leading to defoliation and reduced yields. With its ability to complete multiple generations within a season and the challenge of insecticide resistance, effective management strategies are crucial. This article will explore the impact of tobacco caterpillars on cotton crops and various management measures to tackle their infestations.

The larva of the tobacco caterpillar can be identified by its pale greenish color with dark markings and adult moths have wavy white markings on a brown forewing. The larvae feed mainly during the night and seek protection by taking refuge in the soil during the day. Warm and humid climate, monocropping and late sowing are some of the favorable conditions for tobacco caterpillar infestation.

Type of Infestation

Tobacco caterpillar infests the cotton crop by feeding on the leaves, leading to defoliation and skeletonization of leaves.

Scientific Name: Spodoptera litura

Most Affected States

The exact distribution of Tobacco caterpillar in India is not well documented. However, they are known pests of cotton plants and are likely all cotton growing regions of the country.

Symptoms of Tobacco Caterpillars in Cotton

In the initial stage larvae feed gregariously on the leaf where the egg mass is deposited.
They scrape the epidermal layer of the leaves, resulting in skeletonization leaving only veins and midribs.
Skeletonized leaves may eventually dry out.
In later stages, larvae consume most of the leaf tissues and in severe cases only stem and side shoots can be seen remaining in the field without any leaf or bolls.
Once squares, flowers and bolls emerge, the larvae prefer to eat these rather than leaves. They bore into them, consuming the internal contents completely, which leads to the shedding of squares and young bolls.

Tobacco Caterpillars in Cotton Control Measures

Effective management of Tobacco caterpillars requires a combination of cultural, Physical, Mechanical, biological and chemical control measures.

Cultural Measures

Deep summer ploughing exposes the pupae to natural enemies and high temperatures.
Grow trap crops like castor along the borders of cotton field.
Early planting can avoid peak populations of tobacco caterpillars.
Removing the weeds and other debris can reduce the incidence of tobacco cutworms.
Proper nutrition management, including balanced fertilization and irrigation can also help to reduce the susceptibility of cotton plants to Spodoptera attacks.
Erect bird perches to encourage predatory birds.

Tobacco Caterpillars in Cotton Physical Measures

Light Traps play a major role in monitoring and killing adult tobacco caterpillar. Install Farmoguard Solar Light Trap in the fields at the rate of one per acre.

Mechanical Measures

Handpicking the caterpillars and destroying them is an effective way to reduce the population of tobacco cutworms.
Collect and destroy the egg masses from cotton as well as castor crops.
Tapas Tobacco Caterpillar Lure can be used to attract and trap adult Spodoptera moths. Install Funnel Trap with Spodo-O-Lure at the rate of 6 per acre for effective trapping.

Tobacco Caterpillars in Cotton Biological Measures

Delfin Bio Insecticide contains Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki which when sprayed at the rate of 1 gm per liter of water can effectively control Spodoptera in cotton.
Albata Royal Larvend is a bio larvicide or bio pesticide containing 100% organic plant derived solutions that is highly effective against all pests going through the larval stage. The recommended dosage is 2 ml per liter of water. In case of heavy infestation, repeat the spray every 7-10 days.
SUN BIO SLNPV is a viral insecticide based on Polyhedral Occluded Bodies of Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus of Spodoptera litura. When sprayed, caterpillars get infected by virus and eventually die. For better results, spray SUN BIO SLNPV at 0.5 to 1ml per liter of water in the early morning or late evening hours.
Ecotin Insecticide is a neem based biological insecticide containing Azadirachtin, which can be used effectively to control Spodoptera. The recommended dosage is 0.4 – 0.7ml per liter of water.

Chemical Measures

Chemical measures include the application of commercial insecticides to control tobacco cutworms. Insecticides that can be used to control are mentioned below,

Product Name	Technical Content	Dosage
Coragen Insecticide	Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC	0.3 ml/lit of water
Katyayani Chakrawarti	Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambda cyhalothrin 9.5% ZC	0.4 ml/lit water
Largo Insecticide	Spinetoram 11.7% SC	0.9 ml/lit water
Fluton Insecticide	Flubendiamide 20% WG	0.5 gm/lit water
Godrej Gracia Insecticide	Fluxametamide 10% EC	0.8 ml/lit water
Starclaim Insecticide	Emamectin benzoate 5% SG	0.5 gm/lit water
Keefun Insecticide	Tolfenpyrad 15% EC	2 ml/lit water
Benevia Insecticide	Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD	1.8 ml/lit water

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