Pesticides

The infestation of Mealybugs in Custard Apple and treatment

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are a type of pest that can infest custard apples and other plants. They feed on the sap of the plant, causing damage to the foliage and fruit, and can also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew which can encourage the growth of sooty mold. 

To control mealybugs, you can try physically removing them by wiping them off with a cloth, or using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Spray BUPROFEZIN 25% SC @ 12 ml/15 lts of water along with a good quality sticker. 

It’s important to keep the plant free of dead leaves and debris, which can harbor the pests, and to monitor the plant regularly for signs of infestation.

Do you know how pod bugs damage red gram (Tur dal)?

damage

Pod borer insects can cause damage to red gram crops. These pests lay their eggs in the pods of the plant and when the larvae hatch, they feed on the seeds, reducing both the yield and quality of the harvest.To control these pests, farmers can use a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical methods, such as crop rotation, using resistant varieties, and applying insecticides

Application of Spinosad or imidacloprid gives control upon pod bug damage. Spraying of quinalphos 25% EC @ is effective against pod fly and pod borer. Spraying of effective molecule like Indoxacarb 14.5 SC % @ 300 ml/ha or Emamectin benzoate 5% SG @ 11 a.i gm/ha or Spinosad 45 SC @ 56-73 a.i gm/ha is effective against Pod borer complex. 

However, it’s important to implement integrated pest management practices to minimize the negative impact on the environment and human health.

Main Insect pest and their treatment in pigeon pea.

Rajendra Arhar

The main insect pests of pigeon pea and their treatments are: 

Pod borer (Maruca vitrata) and Leaf folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis): Chemical control with insecticides such as chlorantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate, or synthetic pyrethroids can be effective in controlling this pest and leaf folders.

Stem fly (Melanagromyza obtusa) and Shoot fly (Atherigona soccata): Crop rotation and the use of insecticides such as imidacloprid, lambda-cyhalothrin, and carbofuran can help manage this pest. 

Termites (Macrotermes spp.): Chemical control with insecticides such as chlorpyrifos or imidacloprid can be effective in controlling termites. Cultural practices such as crop residue removal and soil moisture maintenance can also aid in termite population reduction.

Aphids (Aphis craccivora): Aphids can be controlled by releasing natural enemies such as ladybirds and green lacewings, as well as using insecticides such as imidacloprid or acetamiprid

Thrips (Thrips palmi): The use of resistant varieties, the release of natural enemies such as predatory mites, and the application of insecticides such as spinosad or imidacloprid can all help control thrips.

What is the treatment of spotted bollworm in Lady’s finger (Bhendi) crop?

spotted bollworm

The larvae of the Spotted bollworm (Earias vittella) primarily attack the shoot. It causes terminal shoots to dry and drop during the pre-flowering stage, as well as holes in the fruit during the young fruiting stage.

Bioinsecticide sprays containing Bacillus thuringiensis are used to control the population peak of the spotted bollworm. Spraying with 5% Neem Seed Kernel Extracts (NSKE) or Neem Oil (15000pm) @ 5ml/l is also beneficial.

Insecticides containing chlorantraniliprole, emamectin, benzoate, flubendiamide, or esfenvalerate are primarily used during the egg stage. Before using any chemical treatment, it is essential to consult with a professional and follow the instructions on the pesticide label.

How chili spray work as a organic pesticide?

pesticides

Chili spray can be used as an organic pesticide because the capsaicin found in chili peppers is a natural insect repellent. Capsaicin is an irritant to many insects and animals, including aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. When sprayed on plants, the capsaicin in the chili spray can repel or kill these pests, helping to protect the plants from damage.

To make a chili spray, chili peppers are crushed or blended and mixed with water, and sometimes a small amount of soap is added to help the mixture stick to the plant leaves. The mixture is then strained and poured into a spray bottle, and it can be used to treat plants that are infested with pests.

It’s works by directly impacting the nervous system of the insects, thus killing or repelling them. Additionally, it can also act as a fungicide, helping to prevent the spread of diseases such as powdery mildew.

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of chili spray can vary depending on the type of pepper used, the concentration of the spray, and the type of pest being targeted. It’s recommended to test the spray on a small area of the plant before applying it to the entire plant or field. Also, care should be taken while using chili spray as it can be harmful to beneficial insects and humans if ingested or inhaled in high concentrations.

Mechanism of Neem oil as a pesticide

prepare

Neem oil is a natural pesticide derived from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica). It works by disrupting the hormone system of insects, making it difficult for them to grow and reproduce. Neem oil also has antifungal properties, which makes it effective against fungal pathogens.

The active ingredient in this oil, azadirachtin, acts as an insect growth regulator, disrupting the molting process of insects and preventing them from reaching maturity. It also acts as a repellent, deterring insects from feeding on treated plants.

In addition to azadirachtin, neem oil also contains other compounds that have pesticidal properties, such as salannin and nimbin. These compounds have insecticidal and fungicidal properties and can be toxic to certain insects and pathogens.

It is important to note that oil is generally considered safe for use around humans and animals, and is biodegradable. However, it can cause skin irritation in some individuals and should be handled with care.

What is the treatment of pink larvae in cotton crops?

cotton

Pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) is a major pest of cotton crops that can cause significant damage to both the bolls and the leaves of the plant. The pink larva is the immature stage of the pink bollworm and is responsible for most of the damage to the crop.

The primary method of controlling pink bollworm is through the use of chemical insecticides. However, integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that combine multiple control methods, such as biological control, cultural control, and genetic control, can be more effective and sustainable than relying solely on chemical insecticides.

Biological control involves the use of natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to control pink bollworm populations. For example, the use of the Trichogramma wasp, a small parasitic wasp, can be effective in controlling pink bollworm populations. Cultural control involves practices such as crop rotation, early planting, and timely harvesting to reduce the susceptibility of the crop to pink bollworm infestations. Genetic control is another approach where the cotton plant is genetically modified to make it resistant to the pest.

It is important to consult with a professional and follow the instructions on the pesticide label before applying any chemical treatment, also it’s necessary to keep in mind that a combination of these methods is most effective in controlling pink bollworm populations.

What is the Best Method to spray Pesticides on crops?

Best Method

The best method to spray pesticides on crops depends on a number of factors, including the type of crop, the type of pesticide, and the size of the area to be treated. Some common methods include ground spraying, aerial spraying, and drip irrigation. Ground spraying involves applying the pesticide using a backpack or handheld sprayer, while aerial spraying uses an aircraft to apply the pesticide. Drip irrigation involves applying the pesticide through the irrigation system, which can be more precise and reduce waste. It is important to follow the instructions on the pesticide label and to consult with a professional to determine the most appropriate method for your specific situation.

How aphids are controlled in groundnut?

aphids

Late sowing of crop should be avoided. Use of Neem based compounds which will be helpful as a deterrent. Use of resistance/ tolerant varieties as well as growing of attractant crops i.e.  Carrot family, sunflower family and marigold (to attract syrphid fly, lacewing, damselfly and ladybird beetle). Use of need basis chemical compounds i.e., Imidacloprid and Fipronil for sucking pests because these compounds having lower hazards effects on other fauna and flora.

The Coccinellid beetle, Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera:  Coccinellidae) and Syrphid fly, Ischiodon javana (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Syrphidae) are the main predators of this pest. 

What is corm rot and how it is treated?

corm rot

There are many reasons for low corm production, but one of the main reasons for stabilized saffron production is corm rot complex caused because of many soil borne pathogens like Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia crocorum etc. the disease is identified by the yellowing of leaves, wilting, round spots on the corm, leaf dropping and converting corms into black powdery mass. The disease of corm rot can be managed with chemical fungicides like carbendazim or mancozeb etc. Soil solarization and other biological methods are also used for treating the soil and corms before planting.