Combating Tuta absoluta, An Invasive Pest On Tomato Crop

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May 5, 2023

Sorghum Shoot Fly: An Integrated Pest Management Guide

Sorghum Shoot Fly is a major pest that threatens the productivity of sorghum crops worldwide. It is considered to be one of the most important and destructive pests of sorghum. The insect, Atherigona soccata, infests sorghum plants during early growth stages, damaging the developing leaves and shoots. Infestation can lead to reduced yield and in severe cases complete crop failure can occur. This article will give complete information about causes, symptoms and management of sorghum shoot flies.

They are small grey colored flies which are polyphagous in nature attacking various other gramineous crops. Because of high humidity and moderate temperature, late sown crops generally suffer from sorghum shoot fly damage. Cloudy weather favors the development of sorghum shoot flies.

Type of Infestation

The maggot bores into the central shoots of the sorghum plant and produces typical dead heart symptoms.

Scientific Name: Atherigona soccata

Most Affected States Due to Sorghum Shoot Fly

Sorghum Shoot Fly is a major pest of sorghum crops in India. The pest is found in almost all the sorghum-growing states, but the major affected states are Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Symptoms of Sorghum Shoot Fly

The most common symptoms of sorghum shoot fly are:

After hatching, the maggot moves towards the upper surface of the leaf and enters the area between the leaf sheath and stem.
The maggot bores inside the stem and cuts the growing point.
Infested central shoots become dry and produce “dead heart” symptoms.
As a result of infestation, plants produce side tillers.

Sorghum Shoot Fly Control Measures

Sorghum shoot flies are a common pest of sorghum and can cause significant damage if not managed effectively. To control these pests, an integrated approach that combines several management strategies is necessary.

Sorghum Shoot Fly Cultural Meausres

Immediately after the harvest, plough the field and remove and dispose of the stubble.
To reduce the incidence of shoot flies, sow sorghum immediately at the onset of monsoon rains.
Rotate sorghum with non-susceptible crops.
Grow resistant sorghum varieties like Co-1, CSH 15R, Maldandi, Hagari, Swati, CSH7, ICSV 705 etc.
Use higher seed rate of 12.5 kg/ha and during thinning remove shoot fly damaged seedlings. Or else raise nursery and then transplant only healthy seedlings.
Avoid the application of farmyard manure after the plant emergence to avoid the oviposition sites for female flies.

Mechanical Measures

Pull out and destroy the plants that show dead heart symptoms at the time of thinning.
Install plastic fishmeal trap at the rate of 12 traps per hectare until the crop reaches 30 days old.

Biological Measures

Release natural enemies like parasitoids such as Trichogramma toideasimmonalsi, Trichogramma chilonis, Neotrichoporoides nyemitawus and predators such as spiders, coccinellids, lacewings etc to keep the shoot fly populations in check.
Ecotin Insecticide is a neem based biological insecticide containing Azadirachtin, which can be used effectively to control shoot flies. The recommended dosage is 0.5 ml per liter of water.

Sorghum Shoot Fly Chemical Measures

When the infestation is severe, chemical methods may be necessary. Some of the commonly used commercial chemicals for controlling sorghum stem borers are,

Product Name	Technical Content	Dosage
Seed Treatment
Iffco Taiyo Plus Insecticide	Thiamethoxam 30% FS	10 ml/kg of seeds
Shamrock CP Gold Insecticide	Chlorpyriphos 20% EC	3 – 4 ml/kg of seeds
Gaucho Insecticide	Imidachloprid 48% FS	12 ml/kg of seeds
Foliar Spray
Tafgor Insecticide	Dimethoate 30% EC	1.5 – 2.5 ml/lit of water
Ekalux Insecticide	Quinalphos 25% EC	2 ml/lit of water

Managing Sorghum Shoot Bugs: A Comprehensive Guide to Crop Protection-Read more

Tackling Leaf Curl Virus: Strategies For Successful Management

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May 5, 2023

Tackling Leaf Curl Virus: Strategies For Successful Management

Leaf curl disease can be a major concern for various crops, affecting their growth, yield and overall productivity. It is caused by group of viruses known as begomoviruses, transmitted by whiteflies. This article will provide you with a concise overview of leaf curl disease and practical management strategies to protect your crops. By understanding the disease’s symptoms, transmission and implementing preventive measures like crop rotation, sanitation practices and insect control, you can effectively manage and reduce the impact of leaf curl virus on your yields.

How is it caused?

The primary mode of transmission for leaf curl virus is through whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci). These tiny insects feed on infected plant sap, acquiring the virus and then transmit it to healthy plants as they move and feed on them.
The virus can be introduced into a region through infected plant materials i.e., seedlings or saplings.
Leaf curl disease tends to be more prevalent in regions with warm and tropical climates (25 – 30°C), as these conditions favor the growth and reproduction of both the virus and the whitefly vector.
Some weeds and alternative plant hosts serve as reservoirs for the viral pathogen.
Lack of crop rotation can increase the buildup and spread of the virus within a field or across neighboring fields.

Host crops

Leaf curl viruses affect a wide range of host crops including tomato, chilli, brinjal, cotton, tobacco, okra, papaya, and cucurbits.

Leaf Curl Virus Symptoms:

The affected leaves exhibit an upward or downward curling along their edges, giving them a cupped or crinkled appearance.
These leaves often become thick and leathery compared to healthy leaves. They may also appear stiff and brittle.
They may show yellowing or chlorosis, particularly along the veins.
Veins on infected leaves may appear thicker and enlarged.
Infected plants may not produce flowers and fruits, or they produce fewer flowers and fruits that are small, misshapen, or of poor quality.
Plants affected by virus show stunted growth, characterized by shortened internodes and significantly reduced leaf size.

Preventive Measures

Use disease-free seeds or seedlings like Polyana polyhouse tomato, Namdhari tomato seeds 592, Venus plus bhendi, Sarpan F1 Hybrid chilli seeds, Sarpan chilli seeds F1 291, Mona 002 bhendi, JK desi tomato seeds.
Practice crop rotation by avoiding planting susceptible crops in the same area consecutively. For example, rotating tomato/chilli crops with non-host crops like legumes, onion and brassicas.
Early planting can help establish crops before the peak disease period.
Remove and destroy any plants showing symptoms of leaf curl disease.
Remove weeds in and around the field.
Grow barrier crops around the field to deter whiteflies. For example, maize or sorghum in chilli field, sesbania in tobacco field.
Install 6 – 8 yellow sticky traps for per acre field to control the whitefly population.

Management of Leaf Curl Virus in Crops

There is no specific chemical control available to cure or control viral infections in plants. However, following the above-mentioned preventive measures, maintaining plant health and controlling vectors can significantly help to control leaf curl disease in plants.

Prophylactic use of an organic viricide and micronutrient at early stages of crop growth may help to boost the plant’s natural defense mechanisms and enhance the resistance towards diseases.

Product name	Technical content	Dosage
Vanproz V-Bind or	Plant Extracts	2 – 3 ml/lit water
VC-100	Organic compounds	5 gm/lit water
Multiplex Magnum Mn or	Manganese 12%	0.5 gm/lit water
General liquid Micronutrient	Multi Micronutrients	2.5 ml/lit water

Management of Vector, Whitefly:

Control the population of whiteflies by following a combination of mechanical+ biological + chemical management to help reduce the spread of the virus.

Product name	Technical content	Dosage
Mechanical Management
T.Stanes Goal (Whitefly trap and lure)	Yellow sticky trap	12 traps per acre (moderate infestation) or 15 traps per acre (heavy infestation)
Biological Management
Greenpeace Neemol Bio Neem Oil Insecticide	Neem Oil extracts (Azardiractin)	1 – 2 ml/lit water
Nanobee Agrokill Insecticide	Nano Colloidal Micelles 100% (Fatty Acid based Plant Extracts)	3 ml/lit water
Anand Dr Bacto’s Brave	Beauveria bassiana	2.5 ml/lit water
Chemical Management
Osheen Insecticide	Dinotefuran 20% SG	0.2 gm/lit water
Tatamida SL Insecticide	Imidacloprid 17.8% SL	1 ml/lit water
Oberon Insecticide	Spiromesifen 22.9% SC	0.3 ml/lit water
Anant Insecticide	Thiamethoxam 25% WG	0.3 gm/lit water
Benevia Insecticide	Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD	1.5 ml/lit water
Dhanpreet Insecticide	Acetamiprid 20% SP	0.2 gm/lit water
Police Insecticide	Fipronil 40% + Imidacloprid 40% WG	0.3 gm/lit water
Takaf Insecticide	Diafenthiuron 47% + Bifenthrin 9.4% SC	1.25 ml/lit water

(NOTE: Follow product’s label to know the right time of application)

Leaf Curl Confusions

Leaf curl symptoms can indeed be confused with viral, fungal diseases, and physiological disorders.

Fungal leaf curl diseases are caused by various pathogenic fungi, such as Taphrina spp., that infect plants and cause abnormal leaf curling symptoms. Presence of fungal structures, spores or visible fungal growth along with lesions or spots indicates fungal disease.
Physiological leaf curl disorders, also known as non-infectious leaf curl, are not caused by pathogens but rather by environmental or physiological factors. These disorders often result from adverse growing conditions, nutrient imbalances, extreme temperatures or other stress factors.

Read More: Effective Management of Leaf Curl Virus in Chilli Crops

Organic Farming: Promoting Healthier Soil, Food, And Environment

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May 4, 2023

Organic Farming: Promoting Healthier Soil, Food, and Environment

Organic farming in India has witnessed a remarkable surge in recent years, positioning itself as an example of sustainable agricultural practices in the country. As concerns about food safety, environmental impact, and human health have grown, organic farming has emerged as a compelling alternative to conventional methods. The growing demand for organic produce, both within India and globally, presents a lucrative market opportunity. By transitioning to organic farming, you tap into this expanding market, potentially increasing your profitability and securing a sustainable future for your farm.

Benefits of Organic Farming

Organic farming practices promote soil health, reduce water pollution and preserve biodiversity.
It focuses on building and maintaining healthy soil through practices like composting, crop rotation and cover cropping. This leads to improved soil fertility, structure and nutrient content.
It prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). As a result, organic produce is free from harmful chemical residues, making it safer for consumption and reducing health risks.
It provides habitats for a variety of beneficial insects, birds and wildlife, which helps maintain a balanced ecosystem and promotes natural pest control.
It helps in conserving water resources and reducing soil erosion.
Organic farming practices, such as using organic matter and cover crops help carbon sequestration in the soil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to mitigating climate change.
It promotes the preservation of indigenous seeds, traditional crop varieties and local farming knowledge, fostering agricultural diversity and cultural heritage.
The increasing demand for organic products offers farmers an opportunity to tap into a growing market, command premium prices for their organic produce and potentially increase their profitability.
Additionally, organic farming can reduce the input costs associated with chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Organic Certification Process

Are you engaged in organic farming and seeking guidance on navigating the organic certification process? Here are the step-by-step instructions to help you through the certification process:

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with Organic Farming Practices

Familiarize yourself with organic farming principles and practices, which include the avoidance of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, use of organic inputs, crop rotation, composting and proper soil and water management.

Step 2: Prepare your Farm for Organic Certification

Start practicing organic farming methods for a specific period (minimum 5 years) and maintain records of your farming practices including inputs used, seed sourcing and pest and disease management.

Step 3: Choose a Certification Body

Research and select a recognized organic certification body accredited by the National Program for Organic Production (NPOP) or other authorized agencies.
Consider factors such as credibility, cost and the certification body’s expertise in your specific agricultural sector.

Step 4: Application Submission

Contact the chosen certification body and submit an application for organic certification.
Provide all necessary information, including farm details, crops or products to be certified and documentation of your organic farming practices.

Step 5: Inspection and Documentation Review

Once your application is received, the certification body will schedule an on-site inspection of your farm.
During the inspection, the inspectors will assess your farm’s compliance with organic standards and review your documentation and records.
Ensure that all necessary documents, such as land records, seed sourcing details and farm management plans, are readily available for inspection.

Step 6: Compliance Assessment

The certification body will evaluate the inspection findings and document review to determine if your farm meets the organic certification requirements.

Step 7: Certification Decision

Once the evaluation is complete, the certification body will inform you of their decision regarding organic certification.
If your farm meets the required standards, you will be issued an organic certification certificate.

Step 8: Compliance and Renewal

After certification, continue practicing organic farming methods and maintain accurate records of your farming activities.
Undergo regular inspections by the certification body to ensure ongoing compliance.
Organic certification is typically valid for one to three years. Renew your certification by applying for recertification before the expiration date.

Step 9: Labeling and Marketing

Upon receiving organic certification, you can use the organic certification logo or label on your products.
Market your organic produce by highlighting its certification status, emphasizing its health and environmental benefits.

Major Components of Organic Farming

Green manure crops: Crops like sesbania, sunhemp and dhaincha are intentionally grown and then incorporated into the soil to improve soil fertility, structure and nutrient content.
Vermicomposting: It involves utilizing earthworms to break down organic waste materials such as kitchen scraps, crop residues, and animal manure into nutrient-rich compost. It is an organic fertilizer that enhances soil fertility and promotes plant growth.
Crop Rotation: It helps disrupt pest and disease cycles, prevents soil erosion, enhances soil health, and improves overall crop productivity. Example: green gram – wheat/maize, dhiancha – rice.
Biological Management: It involves the use of natural processes and organisms to manage pests, diseases, and weeds. Example: Using disease-resistant crop varieties, plant extracts, biocontrol agents, and managing crop rotations.
Animal husbandry: Raising livestock using organic methods, including providing access to organic feed, grazing in organic pastures, and avoiding the use of antibiotics and growth hormones. It promotes animal welfare and ensures the production of organic meat, milk, eggs, and other animal products.
Biofertilizers: They enhance nutrient availability, improve soil fertility and health, promote plant growth, suppress diseases and contribute to overall environmental sustainability. Examples: Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirillum – fixes nitrogen in the soil; Mycorrhizal fungi – improves nutrient uptake, disease resistance & drought tolerance.
Manures: Utilizing organic manures, such as compost, farmyard manure, and other plant and animal-based materials, to enrich the soil with essential nutrients and improve microbial activity.

Natural Pest and Disease Management

Organic Practices	Examples
Crop Rotation	Crops having different susceptibility to pests and diseases can be rotated to help break the continuous cycle of pests, reduce disease pressure, and maintain soil fertility. Rotating tomatoes with legumes, such as beans or peas, as legumes fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil health and reducing pests and diseases specific to tomatoes.
Companion Planting	Planting marigolds alongside tomatoes to repel pests like nematodes and whiteflies,
Resistant varieties	Planting disease-resistant varieties. Example: Urja Jhalri Supreme bitter gourd is resistant to powdery mildew, Ashoka Malgudi Beans is resistant to common, mosaic virus and halo blight.
Biological Control	Releasing ladybugs to control aphids, or Predatory mites to control spider mites. Applying Trichoderma spp., a beneficial fungus, to the soil to control soil-borne fungal pathogens.
Traps and Barriers	Using netting or covers to protect crops from birds or insects or installing yellow sticky traps to monitor and trap flying pests like whiteflies, aphids, and thrips. Cultivating trap crops like mustard in cabbage fields to control diamondback moth.
Cultural Practices	Pruning plants to improve air circulation, removing weeds that may harbor pests, practicing proper irrigation to prevent water stress and removing infected plant material to prevent disease susceptibility.
Organic extracts	Using neem oil as a natural insecticide. Applying Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a microbial insecticide, to target specific caterpillar pests. Garlic extracts can repel and kill various insect pests, such as aphids, caterpillars, and beetles. Buttermilk can be used against fungal diseases. Cow milk helps to control leaf spot diseases. Using panchagavya, dasagavya and mineral oils can help to control certain pests and diseases.

Organic Marketing and Market Opportunities

Organic marketing in India is experiencing significant growth due to increasing consumer demand for organic products and a rising awareness of the benefits of organic farming. The market for organic products is expanding rapidly, offering ample opportunities for organic farmers and producers. Large retail chains, specialty organic stores, and online platforms are actively promoting and selling organic products to meet the increasing consumer demand. Indian Government also facilitates market access for organic products. e-NAM allows organic farmers to sell their produce directly to buyers, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring fair prices.

Government Initiatives and Support

The Indian government provides support through schemes, financial assistance, training programs, and initiatives to promote organic farming and its adoption across the country. Here are some of the initiatives;

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) encourages farmers to adopt organic farming methods on a large scale by providing them with financial and technical support.
Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North-Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) aims to encourage farmers in the Northeast region to adopt organic farming practices and support them in obtaining organic certification for their farms.
Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme (CISS) for commercial production units of organic inputs.
The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) provides financial support for organic farming projects, capacity building, organic input distribution, and market linkages.
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) provides financial assistance for adopting organic farming, establishing vermicompost units, and procurement of organic inputs.

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) supports various agricultural initiatives, including organic farming. It provides financial assistance to states for implementing organic farming projects, organizing training programs, and promoting organic input distribution.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): While not specific to organic farming, PMKSY includes provisions for water conservation and efficient irrigation practices, which are vital for sustainable and organic agriculture.

Challenges and Solutions in Organic Farming

The transition from conventional to organic farming can be financially challenging as farmers may experience lower yields and need time to build soil health. Seeking financial support through government schemes may help farmers during this period.
Organic farming requires specialized knowledge and skills. Farmers may face challenges in acquiring the necessary training and expertise. Attending workshops, training programs, and seeking guidance from experienced organic farmers or agricultural extension services may help to solve this problem.
Organic farmers often face challenges in accessing markets and obtaining fair prices for their produce. Building a strong network with organic retailers, participating in farmers’ markets, joining organic farmers’ associations or cooperatives, and leveraging digital platforms for direct sales may tackle this challenge.

Managing Sorghum Shoot Bugs: A Comprehensive Guide to Crop Protection

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May 3, 2023

Managing Sorghum Shoot Bugs: A Comprehensive Guide to Crop Protection

Sorghum is a major crop in many parts of the world, which is grown for food and fodder purposes. However, like all crops, sorghum is susceptible to damage from a range of pests, including the sorghum shoot bug. Although sorghum shoot bug is a sporadic pest, under favorable conditions it can produce several generations and cause significant damage to sorghum crops. The warm and humid climate favors the growth and development of sorghum shoot bugs.

The adult sorghum shoot bug can be identified by its yellowish brown to dark brown color with translucent wings. The female shoot bug lays group of eggs inside the sorghum leaf tissue that are covered with white waxy substance causing damage to plants.

Type of Infestation

Sorghum shoot bugs are a type of sap feeder, which feeds on the sap of the sorghum plants.

Scientific Name: Peregrinus maidis

Most Affected States Due to Sorghum Shoot Bug

The sorghum shoot bug is a major pest of sorghum in many states in India, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh.

Symptoms of Sorghum Shoot Bug

Both nymphs and adults of sorghum shoot bug suck the sap from plants.
The leaves of the infected plants dry out starting from the top and gradually wither downwards.
The infested leaves may also have sooty mould growth, which is a result of the honeydew excreted by shoot bugs.
The affected plants exhibit stunted growth and become unhealthy, causing them to turn yellow.
The egg laying activity of sorghum shoot bugs can cause the midrib of the leaves to turn red, which may eventually dry up.
In case of severe infestation, plant growth may twist the leaves and inhibit panicle emergence.

Sorghum Shoot Bug Control Measures

Sorghum shoot bugs can be controlled by practicing Integrated Pest Management methods which includes cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical measures.

Cultural Measures

Crop rotation can be done to reduce the pest populations.
Remove weeds and other plant debris from the sorghum field.
Proper fertilization and irrigation practices can help ensure that the crop is healthy and can better withstand insect attacks.

Sorghum Shoot Bug Biological Measures

Release natural predators such as Coccinella septumpunctatum, Menochilus sexmaculatus, Geocoris tricolor and egg parasitoids like Paranagrus optabilis, Octetrastichus indicus to control sorghum shoot bugs.
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 15days interval between each spray can effectively control shoot bugs in sorghum fields.
Amruth Alestra Liquid (Bio Insecticide) contains strains of naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungus Verticillium lecanii which comes in contact with the cuticle of the shoot bugs and colonizes them. The recommended dosage is 2ml per liter of water.

Mechanical Measures

Collect and destroy the infected plant parts.
Tapas Yellow Sticky Traps can be placed around the edges of field to capture adult sorghum shoot bugs. For an acre place 4-6 yellow sticky traps for effective trapping.

Sorghum Shoot Bug Chemical Measures

Commercial chemicals for controlling sorghum shoot bug includes,

Product Name	Technical Content	Dosage
Tafgor Insecticide	Dimethoate 30%EC	2.5 ml/lit of water
Asataf Insecticide	Acephate 75% SP	1.5 gm/lit of water
Ekalux Insecticide	Quinalphos 25 % EC	2 ml/lit of water

Battle Of The Bugs: A Guide For Managing Sorghum Ear Head Bug- See More

Don’t Let Sorghum Leaf Roller Roll Over Your Crops: Integrated Management Strategies

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May 3, 2023

Don’t Let Sorghum Leaf Roller Roll Over Your Crops: Integrated Management Strategies

If you are a farmer or someone involved in agriculture, you may be familiar with sorghum leaf rollers, a pest that can cause significant damage to sorghum crops. If you are currently dealing with this pest, it’s important to take action to protect your fields and ensure that your yields are not affected. There are several effective strategies that can help you manage sorghum leaf rollers and minimize the damage they cause. This article will provide you with detailed information on how to deal with sorghum leaf rollers, including its integrated management methods.

The female moth lays eggs on the underside of sorghum leaves, and the eggs hatch into small caterpillars within a few days. The larval or nymphal stage of the pest is the most damaging, as the caterpillars feed on the sorghum leaves and roll them. The pupal stage of the pest is spent inside the rolled leaves, and the adult moth emerges after about two weeks. High humidity and shady areas favor the development of leaf rollers.

Type of Infestation

The sorghum leaf roller infests sorghum crops by feeding on the leaves and rolling them up to form a shelter for themselves. This type of infestation is known as rolling or folding.

Scientific Name: Marasmia trapezalis

Most Affected States

The sorghum leaf roller is most commonly found in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh.

Symptoms of Sorghum Leaf Roller

The most common symptoms of infestation include:

The larva of sorghum leaf roller feed on the leaves and roll them up to form a shelter for themselves.
Infested leaves exhibit longitudinal patches, particularly near the tips.
The tip of the leaves become dry.

Sorghum Leaf Roller Control Measures

If you are worried about these sorghum leaf roller infestations, you should consider an integrated management strategy to control the pest population. Here are some effective measures that can help control sorghum leaf rollers:

Sorghum Leaf Roller Cultural Measures

Crop rotation can be followed to control sorghum leaf roller population.
Remove weeds and other plant debris.
Avoid using excessive amount of nitrogenous fertilizers.
Maintain good plant health through proper irrigation, fertilization and soil management practices to reduce the susceptibility of the sorghum plant to the pest.

Mechanical Measures

Hand picking of rolled leaves and destroying them is the easiest way to control leaf roller damage.

Sorghum Leaf Roller Biological Control

Release an egg parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis in sorghum field to control the sorghum leaf roller population.
Ecotin Insecticide is a neem based biological insecticide containing Azadirachtin, which can be used effectively to control leaf rollers on sorghum plants. The recommended dosage is 0.4 – 0.7ml per liter of water.
Katyayani Organic Larvicide contains Bacillus thuringiensis which produces protein that blocks the digestive system of the insect and kills them. The recommended dosage is 10ml per liter of water.

Sorghum Leaf Roller Chemical Measures

If the infestation is severe, commercial insecticides can be used to control the sorghum leaf roller population. Here are some commonly used insecticides for controlling leaf rollers:

Product Name	Technical Content	Dosage
Ekalux Insecticide	Quinalphos 25 % EC	2 ml/lit of water
Ampligo Insecticide	Chlorantraniliprole (10 %) + Lambdacyhalothrin (5%) ZC	0.4 ml/lit of water
Marshal Insecticide	Carbosulfan 25% EC	2 ml/lit of water
Danitol Insecticide	Fenpropathrin 10% EC	1.5-2 ml/lit of water
Starthene Insecticide	Acephate 75 % SP	1.75-2.5 gm/lit of water

Therefore, sorghum leaf rollers can cause significant damage to sorghum crops if not managed properly. By following the above-mentioned integrated strategies, you can prevent the sorghum leaf roller from rolling over your crops.

DISCOVER MORE : Battle Of The Bugs: A Guide For Managing Sorghum Ear Head Bug

Fall Army Worm: A Devastating Pest Of Sorghum

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May 3, 2023

Fall Army Worm: A Devastating Pest Of Sorghum

Spodoptera frugiperda, commonly known as the Fall Armyworm (FAW) is one of the most important invasive pests worldwide, causing considerable losses to its host crops. It is considered to be a serious pest which feeds on more than 80 crop species. Next to maize, sorghum is the most affected crop by fall armyworm. It is a major pest of sorghum crops and can cause severe damage to the crop if not controlled in time. In this article, we will explore the different methods of integrated pest management that can be used to control sorghum fall army worms.

The life cycle of a fall armyworm consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. The larva or nymphal stage is the most damaging stage of the pest. Initially larvae are green in color, but as they grow, they become brown with longitudinal stripes. Inverted “Y” shaped marking can be seen on the face of the mature larva. Cool, wet and spring weather favours the growth and development of fall armyworm.

Type of Infestation

Sorghum army worm infestation can be classified into two types: sporadic and epidemic. Sporadic infestations occur in isolated areas and are generally not widespread. Epidemic infestations, on the other hand, are widespread and can cause significant damage to the crop by feeding on all parts of the plant.

Scientific Name: Spodoptera frugiperda

Most Affected States

The pest is found throughout the country, but the most affected states are Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.

Symptoms of Sorghum Fall Army Worm

The damaging symptoms of Sorghum army worm infestation are as follows:

Elongated papery windows: Initially larvae of sorghum fall armyworm feeds on leaf tissues, leaving only a thin translucent layer of tissue intact known as window feeding.
Ragged edged leaves: As the larva grows, its feeding habits result in the development of ragged edged holes on the leaves that vary in shape from round to oblong.
The larvae of sorghum FAW excrete a large amount of frass, which can accumulate on the leaves.
Severe infestation of sorghum fall armyworm can result in defoliation.
They can also damage the reproductive parts of the sorghum plant.

Control Measures

A combination of different control measures is often important to effectively manage fall armyworm infestation in sorghum plants. The following are some of the commonly used IPM practices for controlling fall armyworm,

Sorghum Fall Army Worm Cultural Measures

Deep summer ploughing of fields exposes larvae and pupa of sorghum fall armyworm, which are located in the soil, to birds and high temperatures.
Crop rotation with non-host crops helps to reduce the fall armyworm population.
Early planting can avoid peak populations of sorghum fall armyworm.
Removing the weeds and other debris can reduce the incidence of armyworms.
Harvesting early can avoid consistent damage.
Proper nutrition management, including balanced fertilization and irrigation can also help to reduce the susceptibility of sorghum plants to fall armyworm attacks.

Physical Measures

Light Traps play a major role in trapping adult fall armyworm insects. Install Farmoguard Solar Light Trap in the sorghum fields at the rate of one per acre.

Mechanical Measures

Handpicking and destroying egg masses and larvae by crushing or immersing in kerosene water can reduce FAW damage.
After the detection of FAW infestation in the field, the affected sorghum plants can be treated by applying dry sand to the affected whorl.
Tapas Fall Armyworm (FAW) Lure can be used to attract and trap insects. Install Funnel trap with FAW lure at a rate of 15 per hectare for effective trapping.

Sorghum Fall Army Worm Biological Measures

Release egg parasitoids like Trichogramma pretiosum or Telenomus remus at the rate of 50,000 per acre at weekly intervals to control the fall armyworm population.
Erect bird perches to encourage insectivorous birds.
Apply Econeem Plus Bio pesticide containing Azadirachtin at the rate of 3ml per litre as oviposition deterrent on one week after sowing.
Katyayani Organic Larvicide contains Bacillus thuringiensis which produces protein that blocks the digestive system of the insect and kills them. The recommended dosage is 10ml per liter of water.
Anand Dr. Bacto’s Brave is an ecofriendly biological insecticide containing Beauveria bassiana which effectively controls fall armyworms. The recommended dosage is 2.5ml per liter of water.

Chemical Measures

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

Product Name	Technical Content	Dosage
Coragen Insecticide	Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC	0.4 ml/lit of water
Delegate Insecticide	Spinetoram 11.7% SC	0.9 ml/lit of water
EM 1 Insecticide	Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG	0.4-0.5 gm/lit of water
Greenovate Maheru Insecticide	Lambda cyhalothrin 9.5% + Thiamethoxam 12.6% ZC	0.5 ml/lit of water
Starclaim Insecticide	Emamectin benzoate 5% SG	0.5 gm/lit of water
Plethora Insecticide	Novaluron 5.25% + Indoxacarb 4.5% w/w SC	2 ml/lit of water
Ampligo Insecticide	Chlorantraniliprole (10 %) + Lambdacyhalothrin (5%) ZC	0.4-0.5 ml/lit of water

Note: Poison Baiting can effectively kill late instar larvae. To prepare the bait, a mixture of 10 kg of rice bran and 2 kg of jaggery should be left to ferment in 2-3 litres of water for 24 hours. Half an hour before application in the field, 100 g of Thiodicarb should be added to the mixture. The bait should then be applied to the whorl of the plants.

Explore more about Sorghum Shoot Fly: An Integrated Pest Management Guide–CLICK HERE

Effective Management Of Fruit fly In Mango

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May 2, 2023

Effective Management Of Fruit fly In Mango

The summer season has already arrived. Are you waiting for your much anticipated mango harvest? Beware farmers! Don’t let fruit flies hinder your mango yield and diminish your profits. With the fruit being the economically valuable part of this crop, it is crucial that you protect it from the pests. Fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis), is a serious pest of mango, especially during fruit development and fruit ripening stage. They can infest a significant portion of the fruit, leading to reduced quality and market value. On average, fruit fly infestation can cause yield losses of around 25 – 30%. However, in severe cases, it can cause up to 90% loss. So, take proactive steps by early detection, prevention and management as guided in this article to make your mango season the most bountiful and profitable.

Symptoms of Fruit Fly in Mango:

To detect fruit fly infestation in mangoes, you should look for the following signs;

Adult female fruit flies puncture the skin of developed fruits and lay their eggs within the inner flesh.
Once the eggs hatch, the maggots consume the pulp of the fruit, causing it to decay and rot.
As the larvae feed on the fruit, it may become mushy, discolored or develop brown or black sunken spots/patches.
Affected mangoes may show signs of blemishes and shriveling.
The internal feeding of the larvae can result in the presence of sticky secretions or gummy exudations on the surface of infested fruits.
Small exit holes of larvae can be visible on the fruit skin.
Infested fruits rot from inside, leading to a foul smell and deterioration of the fruit.
Affected fruits may tend to ripen prematurely and drop off.

Preventive Measures of Fruit Fly in Mango:

Cultural:

Avoid growing alternate host plants near mango orchards such as melons, guava, papaya and citrus.
Collect and dispose of any fallen or infested fruits away from the orchard.
Expose the pupae to sunlight and eliminate them by ploughing the topsoil of the orchard to about 10 cm depth during Nov – Dec.
Plant varieties that mature early, enabling the fruits to ripen during periods of low fruit fly populations.
Grow mango varieties with similar growth cycles.
Remove weeds around the trees and maintain field sanitation.
Remove any wild or old trees in or near the orchard to eliminate the potential breeding sites.

Mechanical:

Keep 6 – 8 Tapas fruit fly pheromone trap per acre to monitor and control fruit fly population.
For 1 acre orchard, install 4 – 6 yellow sticky traps to catch adult fruit flies which are particularly attracted to their bright yellow colour.
Bait traps: Food baits (sugar-based or protein-based) are effective to lure and trap fruit flies. Use methyl eugenol traps at 4 – 6 per acre to lure and kill male fruit flies. It can be prepared by adding 10 ml of the mixture in a cotton ball (1 ml/lit methyl eugenol + 2 ml/lit Lambda-cyhalothrin) and place it per trap. Other food baits such as yeasts, sugar syrup or ripe/overripe mangoes/banana with poison can also be used to trap fruit flies.

(NOTE: Time and placement of traps is important to ensure effective trapping. Place the traps during the fruit development stage till the harvest. Also, hang or position the traps near areas of high fruit fly activity)

Physical Barrier:

Bag the mango fruits with fine mesh nets or covers to create physical barrier, preventing fruit flies from infesting the fruits.

Biological:

Spray neem oil at 2 – 3 ml/lit of water at regular intervals.
Introduce natural enemies such as parasitic wasps.

ITK Practices to control Fruit fly in Mango:

Crush 20 grams of holy basil leaves (Ocimum sanctum). Place the crushed leaves along with the extract inside a coconut shell. Then, fill the coconut shell with 100 ml of water. To enhance the longevity of the extract, add 0.5 grams of citric acid to it. To poison the extract, add 0.5 gram of carbofuran 3G. Hang the traps from mango tree branches at 4 traps per tree.
Make a trap using a 2-liter disposable water bottle by creating 2 holes on the bottle, 5 cm above its bottom. To hang, thread a string through the hole. Prepare attractant mixture for fruit flies by combining vinegar (1 cup), water (2 cups) and honey (1 tbsp). Shake the mixture and then fill the trap with it up to the level of the holes. Suspend the trap approximately 5 feet high.

Control Measures:

For effective management of fruit flies, you have to prioritize preventive measures before resorting to chemical management. Consider chemical control as a last resort when preventive measures alone are not sufficient to manage the infestation.

Bait Splash:

In case of severe infestation i.e., if you find > 5 flies per trap per day, bait spray can be done on the tree trunk once a week. Prepare it by mixing 100 grams of molasses or jaggery and 2 ml/lit of Deltamethrin in 1 liter of water.

Biological Insecticide:

Spray Tracer Insecticide at 0.4 ml/lit water.

Chemical Management of Fruit Fly in Mango:

Product name	Technical content	Dosage
Ekalux Insecticide	Quinalphos 25% EC	2 ml/lit water
Decis 2.8 EC Insecticide	Deltamethrin 2.8 EC	1.5 ml/lit water
BACF Endtask Insecticide	Fipronil 40% + Imidacloprid 40% WDG	0.5 gm/lit water
Tafgor Insecticide	Dimethoate 30% EC	1.5 ml/lit water
Fenos Quick Insecticide	Flubendiamide 8.33% + Deltamethrin 5.56% SC	0.5 ml/lit water

(NOTE: The above-mentioned insecticides can be sprayed along with neem oil. Check the product’s description to know the right time of application)

Post-harvest Treatment:

Treat the harvested fruits with hot water at 48˚C for 1 hour.

Conclusion:

To protect your mangoes from fruit fly attack, regularly monitor the orchard for signs of its infestation, follow the above-mentioned preventive measures such as good cultural practices, installing traps and regular spray of neem oil combined with chemical management to get rid of the pest attack. By doing so, you can safeguard the quality of the fruits and ensure more yield and profit.

Click here to learn more about maximizing mango yields with our comprehensive guide: Healthy Trees, Bounty Harvest.

Mustard: Planting And Package Of Practices

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May 2, 2023

Mustard: Planting and Package of Practice

Being second in significance to groundnut in terms of both area and production, mustard occupies a predominant position in the country. In Northern India, the oil is used for human consumption. Additionally, it is used to make medications and oils for hair growth. It is used with mineral oils for lubrication in the soap industry. Green feed for cattle may be found in green stems and leaves. It can also be fed to cattle in the form of oil cake.

Our comprehensive guide on Mustard POP will equip you with details on how to grow mustard crop, right from mustard planting, nutrient requirements, crop protection till harvest.

Mustard Crop at a Glance

Botanical Name: Brassica juncea

Common Name: Sarason (Hindi), Rai (Punjabi), Katuku (Tamil), Kaduk (Malayalam), Avalu (Telugu).

Crop Season: Rabi season

Crop type: Field crop

Soil Requirements

In general, mustard cultivation can be done in a wide range of soils especially in medium to heavy soils. Sandy loam soil is the most ideal textural classification for the cultivation of mustard crop.

Climatic Requirements

Mustard thrives well in dry and chilled environmental conditions, as a result, it is referred to as a Rabi crop. Temperatures ranging between 10°C to 25°C and an annual rainfall between 625 to 1000 mm are suitable for cultivation of mustard crop. Moreover, it is highly sensitive to frost damage.

Package of Practices for Mustard

Land preparation for Mustard Cultivation

The crop needs a seed bed that is clean, well-pulverized, fine and wet. If the field has less moisture than is necessary for this sort of tilth, pre-sowing irrigation should be provided. When working in an irrigated ecology, the first ploughing should be done with a soil-turning plough, and later three to four harrowing followed by planking. In rainfed regions, disc harrowing should be done after each productive rainfall during the monsoon and planking should always come after each harrowing to prevent clod development and moisture loss.

Sowing time

The optimum sowing time for mustard ranges between 10th October to 25th October. The mustard planting period for rice fallows, on the other hand, typically stretches from the first week of November to the 15th of December. The temperature shouldn’t get over 32˚C when sowing or planting mustard seeds. In rainfed situations, it is advisable to postpone sowing if the temperature is higher than 32˚C.

Seed rate and Spacing

In general, mustard seeds should be sown in lines at a spacing of 45cm × 15cm with an optimum seed rate of 3.5-5 kg/ha. Seed can be either mixed with sand or ash and used for sowing. In saline environments, using the ridge-furrow approach is advantageous. After three weeks of planting mustard, thinning is required to maintain the ideal plant population.

Seed Treatment

White rust and downy mildew can cause yield losses in mustard farm, which can be minimized by seed treatment with Ridomil Gold (Metalaxyl 4% + Mancozeb 64%) at 6 gm/kg seed. Similarly, Trichoderma @ 5gm/kg seed was also used for the suppression of soil-borne diseases. However, treating seeds with Confidor (Imidacloprid 17.8% SL) at a rate of 1 ml/lit water for 1 kg of seeds helps to prevent many seed-borne insect infestations.

Irrigation Schedule

A mustard crop needs 190 to 400 mm of irrigation water. At critical periods, the crop is extremely vulnerable to water stress. The most critical stages of irrigation in mustard farm are the pre-flowering stage and siliquae formation stage.

Manures and Fertilizers

To avoid unnecessary fertilizer consumption and boost profitability of mustard farm, the fertilizer should be administered based on the results of a soil test. Application of available N, P, and K at rates of 80:40:40 kg/ha for timely sowing and 100:50:50 kg/ha for late sowing, as well as sulphur at rates of 40 kg/ha, zinc sulphate at rates of 25 kg/ha, and borax at rates of 10 kg/ha is usually recommended. In Irrigated environments, apply half of the nitrogen as a basal dosage and the remaining half during the first irrigation at 30 to 45 days after sowing. In rainfed, apply the full dose of recommended nutrients at the time of planting mustard.

Inter-cultivation Practices

It is advised to mechanically weed twice using a hand hoe at 15-20 and 35–40 days after mustard planting. Similarly, pre-emergence application of pendimethalin at a rate of 1 kg/ha was relatively successful. Crop rotation and spot application or protected herbicide spray of paraquat @ 2.5 ml/lit water, respectively are advised for the successful control of Orobanche.

Crop Protection (Pests and Diseases)

Pests infesting Mustard plant

**a) Mustard Aphid (Lipaphis erysmi)**

Symptoms

Both nymphs and adults suck sap from leaves and floral parts causing curling and distortion of leaves.
In severe cases, leaves appear sick and blighted in appearance leading to occurrence of sooty mold.

Management

Spray Rogor (Dimethoate 30% EC) at the rate of 1.5 ml/lit water during flowering stage.

b) Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella)

Symptoms

Leaf epidermal tissues were scraped off by young larvae resulting in whitish patches.
During early stages, the leaves showed withered appearance.
As an infestation progresses, leaves may be entirely eaten.
It also penetrates pods and feeds on the growing seeds.

Management

To control the larval growth apply Proclaim (Emamectin Benzoate 5%SG) at 80gm/acre.

**c) Leaf webber (Crocidolomia binotalis)**

Symptoms

Young larvae that have just hatched initially consume the chlorophyll in young leaves before moving on to older leaves, buds, and pods where they form webbings and reside.
Defoliation occurs on severely damaged plants.
The seeds in the pods are consumed.

Management

Spray Tatafen (Fenvalerate 20 EC) at the rate of 2.5 ml/Lit of water.

**d) Painted bug (Bargrada hilaris cruciferarum)**

Symptoms

The infested plants wilt and wither.
Resinous gum like substance was excreted from adult bugs that spoils the siliqua.

Management

Spraying with Ampligo (Chlorantraniliprole 10 % + Lambda cyhalothrin 5% ZC) at 0.4 ml/Lit of water is effective.

**e) Mustard Sawfly (Athalia lugens)**

Symptoms

The larva feeds on the leaves, boring holes and later turning the leaves skeletonized.
Under extreme cases, defoliation occurs.

Management

Spray the crop with Ekalux (Quinalphos 25 EC) at the rate of 2 ml/L of water.

Diseases affecting Mustard field

**a) White rust (Albugo candida)**

Symptoms

Whitish coloured pustules appear on under surface of leaves.
These outgrowths coalesce to form patches on the leaf.
Formation of stag head is the characteristic symptom of this disease.

Management

Spray Contaf (Hexaconazole 5 % SC) at 2 ml/Lit water or Tilt (Propiconazole 25% EC) at 1 ml/Lit of water.

**b) Powdery mildew (Erysiphe cruciferarum)**

Symptoms

On both sides of lower leaves, white circular spots will be observed.
All the parts of mustard plant especially leaves, stems and fruit are affected.
The affected fruit of mustard produced small and wrinkled.

Management

Spray the crop with Merivon (Fluxapyroxad 250 G/L + Pyraclostrobin 250 G/L SC) at the rate of 0.4 ml/L of water or Luna (Fluopyram 17.7% + Tebuconazole 17.7% SC) at 1 ml/Lit of water.

**c) Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria brassicae)**

Symptoms

Small gray spots appear on leaves, stem and siliqua.
The spots enlarge and show a target board shaped center.

Management

Spray Sparsh (Mancozeb 75% WP) at 2 gm/Lit of water on the foliage usually at ten days interval.
In extreme cases, spray Nativo (Tebuconazole + Trifloxystrobin 75 WG) at 1 gm/Lit of water.

Harvesting and Threshing

Crop has to be harvested when 75% of the pods have become a golden yellow colour. To reduce shattering losses, the crop should ideally be harvested early in the morning when the pods are still wet from the previous night’s dew. When harvesting mustard plants, bundle them together and dry them in the sun for 5–6 days. The mustard plants should be beaten with a stick to thresh them.

Average yield from Mustard farm

Expect a yield of 400 kg/ha on average. Depending on the cultivar and management practices adopted, the yield may reach upto 1000 kg/ha.

Varieties/Hybrids

Pusa mehek, Varuna, NRC HB-101, RH 749, Giriraj.

Battle Of The Bugs: A Guide For Managing Sorghum Ear Head Bug

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April 28, 2023