The leaf eating caterpillars of cruciferous plants are identified as light green velvety worms. They have a yellowish line down their back as well. These leaf-eating caterpillars can grow up to 3 cm in length. They can grow faster under sunny days and mostly feed on the lower side of the leaves. They often feed on the head leaving the produce completely unfit for marketing thus rendering loss to the farmers.
Symptoms of Leaf Eating Caterpillars in Crucifers
Small and large irregular holes are common symptoms. Later they can defoliate the entire plant and leave just the midribs of the leaves leaving just the skeleton of the plant. Later on, it may feed on flowers and other parts to make the plant stunted.
Preventive Measures of Leaf Eating Caterpillars in Crucifers
- Plough the ground thoroughly and expose the eggs and larvae to sunshine.
- Try to avoid water logging in the ground and prevent water stress on the plants.
- Choose weed-free crops
- Grow castor on the borders to trap the pests.
- Basil is another natural repellant for this kind of pest.
- Installing pheromone traps can attract male pests.
Chemical control of Leaf Eating Caterpillars in Crucifers
- Jashn Super Insecticide: This ready-to-use product containing Cypermethrin 4% E.C and Profenofos 40% is an excellent larvicide and ovicide. It can successfully eliminate the tougher bollworms. The ratio for dilution is 2 ml per litre of water.
- Proclaim Insecticide: This multipurpose insecticide is from the Avermectin group and contains Emamectin Benzoate 5% SGz. It is available in granular form and shows translaminar action within 2 hours of application. The dilution ratio is 0.5 to 0.8gm/litre of water.
- Tafaban Insecticide: is a quick-acting animal ectoparasiticide that is effectively used against termites and other pests. It contains Fenvalerate 10 % EC that acts as a contact synthetic pyrethroid insecticide. You may use it after a dilution of 2.5 ml/litre or 500 ml/acre.
- Rilon Insecticide contains Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG which is produced by Streptomyces avermitilis, a bacteria. It is highly potent with a translaminar action. The molecules that accumulate inside the leaves kill the pests that feed on them through muscle contraction. This is so powerful that you need just 0.5 gm in one litre of water.
Conclusion
There are several options including these natural-based products to control these caterpillars. You can have the control measures to be more effective when both the chemical and preventing measures are taken together. We hope that this information will be helpful for you. To get all kinds of information related to crops visit our website https://kisanvedika.bighaat.com/ or give a missed call on our toll free number 1800 3000 2434.
Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.
