Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Deficiency :
Nitrogen Deficiency
Introduction :
i The nitrogen deficiency first appears on older leaves. The leaves become
light green to pale yellow from the tip towards the base forming the typical
‘V’ shape pattern. Later the whole leaf turns yellow followed by drying or
dropping of older leaves. The symptoms proceed up the plants as the
deficiency progresses.
ii The number of tillers / branches is considerably reduced.
iii Internodal length becomes short and the plant height decreases.
iv Ears / cobs are small resulting in very poor yield.
Affected Crops :
All crops except leguminous.
Remedial measures :
Apply nitrogenous fertilizers like urea, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN),
ammonium chloride.
Nitrogen deficiency in :
Photo No.
1.1 : Maize
1.2 : Rice
1.3 : Cotton
1.4 : Wheat
Deficiency :
Phosphorus Deficiency
Introduction :
(i) Like nitrogen, the deficiency appears on older leaves.
(ii) The number of tillers is less.
(iii) Root and shoot growth is restricted and the plant height is decreased.
(iv) Diagnosis of phosphorus deficiency under field conditions is many a times
difficult because of the absence of characteristics external symptoms.
Therefore, fertilizer use history of the crop may be kept in view to derive
conclusion. However, under phosphorus deficient conditions, plants
develop purple or dark to blue-green colouration and necrotic areas on
leaves, petioles or stems.
(v) Maturity is delayed and the development of seed and fruit is poor.
Affected Crops :
Maize, wheat, rape and mustard.
Remedial measures :
Apply phosphatic or compound fertilizers containing phosphorus like single
superphosphate, triple superphosphate, diammonium phosphate (DAP), NPK.
Phosphorus must be applied to ‘Rabi’ crops as these respond to its application. Its
application to ‘Kharif’ crops can be omitted if recommended rate of phoshorus has
been applied to preceding crop.
Phosphorus deficiency in :
Photo No.
1.5 : Maize
1.6 : Response of maize to phosphorus
1.7 : Phosphorus deficiency in berseem
1.8 : Response of lentil to phosphours
Deficiency :
Potassium Deficiency
Introduction :
(i) The deficiency symptoms of potassium also appear on older leaves.
(ii) Interveinal chlorosis followed by the development of necrotic areas at the
tip and margins of the leaf appears first which later on results in scorching
and browning of these areas.
(iii) Plants become stunted and leaves are excessively damaged when there is
acute deficiency.
(iv) The stalks become weak. Fruits and seeds are shrivelled.
Affected Crops :
Berseem, potato, rape and mustard
Remedial measures :
Apply muriate of potash on soil test basis as most of the soils of the state have
sufficient reserve of potassium.
Potassium deficiency in :
Photo No.
1.9 : Berseem
1.10 : Potassium deficiency in berseem – a field view
1.11 : Response of maze to potassium application
Deficiency :
Sulphur Deficiency
Introduction :
(i) Unlike nitrogen, sulphur deficiency appears on younger leaves.
(ii) The leaves turn yellowish green or chlorotic leaving the tip slightly green.
(iii) Under severe deficiency, all leaves may lose their green colour.
(iv) Growth is stunted.
(v) In legumes, nodulation is poor and nitrogen fixation is reduced.
Affected Crops :
Groundnut, raya, wheat, field pea
Remedial measures :
Apply gypsum or any sulphur – containing fertilizer like single superphosphate
and ammonium sulphate.
Sulphur deficiency in :
Photo No.
1.12 : Wheat
1.13 : Groundnut
1.14 : Field pea
Deficiency :
Zinc Deficiency
Introduction :
Rice :
(i) Zinc deficiency symptoms appear on older leaves.
(ii) Chlorosis along with small scattered light yellowish brown spots appear in
the interveinal areas of older leaves.
(iii) Spots later enlarge, coalesce and turn deep brown frequently referred to as
iron rust or bronzing.
(iv) The leaf size is restricted and plants show bushy stunted growth.
(v) Leaves dry up and fall or float on water.
(vi) Earing and maturity are delayed resulting in poor crop yield.
Maize :
(i) The symptoms appear on middle leaves, second or third from top of plants
having 5-6 leaves.
(ii) The leaves show light yellow tissues with reddish veins, but the midrib and
leaf margins remain green.
(iii) Later it forms white band which extends parallel to midrib and its colour
changes to reddish/bluish red.
(iv) Severely deficient plants are stunted and have shorter internodes.
(v) Tasselling and silking are delayed.
Wheat :
(i) The third and fourth leaves from the top develop a band of white or yellow
tissue in the middle of affected leaves.
(ii) This is followed by interveinal chlorotic mottling and white to brown
chlorotic region in the middle of the leaf blades.
(iii) The necrotic areas intensify and coalesce resulting in the collapse of the
affected leaf near its middle.
(iv) Plants show bushy stunted growth.
(v) Earing and maturity are delayed resulting in poor yields.
Cotton :
(i) Younger leaves of deficient plants develop mild chlorosis. Such leaves are
small, thick and rough. They also show cupping.
(ii) Chlorosis of leaves is followed by appearance of maroon colouration of the
marginal portion of leaf lamina.
(iii) The deficiency leads to shortening of internodes and significant decline in
flower formation.
Affected Crops :
Rice, maize, groundnut, pulses, mash, cotton, wheat, potato, berseem, rape and
mustard.
Remedial measures :
Application of zinc sulphate to soil at the time of sowing is most effective in
correcting zinc deficiency in crops. Foliar spray of 0.5% zinc sulphate solution 2-3
times at weekly interval also corrects its deficiency in standing crops. This solution
should be neutralised with half the quantity of lime for broadleaf crops.
Zinc deficiency in :
1.15 : Rice
1.16 : Wheat
1.17 : Maize
1.18 : Wheat response to zinc application
1.19 : Rice response to zinc application
Deficiency :
Iron deficiency
Introduction :
(i) The typical symptoms of iron deficiency in almost all the crops are alike.
The symptoms first appear on younger leaves or new growth.
(ii) Initially interveinal chlorosis appears. Later, veins also turn yellow.
(iii) In severe cases, the leaves become bleached and turn white.
Affected Crops :
Rice, maize, groundnut, gram, oats, sugarcane.
Remedial measures :
Spray 1.0 % ferrous sulphate solution at weekly intervals on sunny days till the
deficiency is ameliorated. For broad-leaf crops, 0.5 % ferrous sulphate solution should
be used.
Iron deficiency in :
Photo No.
1.20 : Rice
1.21 : Iron deficiency in rice – a field view
1.22 : Barley
1.23 : Gram
1.24 : Sugarcane
Deficiency :
Manganese Deficiency
Introduction :
Wheat :
(i) The symptoms appear on middle and lower leaves.
(ii) The basal part exhibits interveinal chlorosis which extends towards the tip.
(iii) The symptoms remain confined largely to lower 2/3 part of the leaf.
(iv) Under mild deficiency, very light greyish yellow to greyish brown specks
of minute size appear in the interveinal chlorotic regions.
(v) Under severe deficiency, these specks enlarge and coalesce to form streaks
or band of pinkish – brown / buff colour in between the veins.
(vi) The veins remain green.
(vii) At ear head emergence stage, the symptoms appear on flag leaf.
(viii) Ears emerge with difficulty and appear sickle shaped.
Berseem :
The mid-stem leaves of berseem show grey to yellow mottling, leaving small
regions around the margins, including the tip, and about 1/3 area from the base. These
spots later spread over the entire leaf and turn pinkish to brown in colour which
coalesce to from necrotic lesions.
Affected Crops :
Wheat, berseem, groundnut, soybean, green gram
Remedial measures :
Spray 0.5 % manganese sulphate solution 2-3 times at weekly intervals. In case of
wheat one foliar spray should be done 2-3 days before first irrigation and two sprays
afterwards at weekly intervals.
Manganese deficiency in :
Photo No.
1.25 : Wheat
1.26 : Wheat response to manganese application
1.27 : Berseem
1.28 : Groundnut
Weed :
Weed is an unwanted plant, out of place and harmful to the crop.
Historical background :
Identification of weed flora is very essential to have any weed control programme
as identification helps in finding out the nature, habitat, growth behaviour, mode of
propagation, seed production potential, seed dormancy, viability and extent of damage
to the crop. All these parameters help in finding out of critical period of competition
with the crop and evolving an effective weed control schedule. The association of
weed with the crop (s) is since long long ago and flora goes on changing with the
change in the cropping pattern. The cropping pattern also goes on changing due to
marketing need of the produce, change in input availability like irrigation, fertilizers,
etc., changes in the environmental conditions, and socio – economic conditions of the
farmer. There has been a remarkable change in cropping pattern of the Punjab during
the period before and after Green Revolution.
Before the introduction of semi – dwarf Mexican wheat varieties, the major area
wad dependent on rainfall and the irrigated agriculture was practised on a limited
scale. Broadleaf weeds like chenopodium album (Bathu), Anagallis arvensis (Billi
Booti), Carthamus oxyacantha (Pohil), and grass weed wild oats (Avena fatua) were
the predominant weeds associated with the tall wheat varieties. The weeds like
Asphodelus tenuifolious (Piazi), Vicia sativa (Rari) were usually found infesting
chickpea crop. During kharif, maize, bajra, groundnut were the major field crops of
the Punjab before the adoption of paddy cultivation in the state. The most common
weeds infesting these crops were : Trianthema monogyna (Itsit), Celosia argentea
(Salara), Eleusine sp. (Madhana), Digitaria sp. (Takkri gha,) Sorghum halepense
(Baru). The perennial weeds like Convolvulus arvensis (Hiran Khuri), Cirsium
arvense (Leh), Cynodon dactylon (Khabbal Gha,) Cyperus rotundus (Dila/Motha)
are still problem weeds but on limited area and before the cultivation of paddy,
problem of these perennial weeds was much more than at present. Other annual weeds
found commonly occurring were Fumaria parvflora, (Pitapara) Lepidium sativa
(Jangli Halon) Melilotus sp., (wild senji ) Silene conoidea (Takla), Lathyrus
aphaca, (mattari) Carthamus oxyacantha, (Pohli) etc. during rabi season and
Commelina benghalensis (Kaon Makki) Euphorbia hirta, (Dodak), Digera arvensis
(Thandla), Eragrostis sp., (Chirya ka dana) Heliotropium eichwaldii, (Oontchara) etc.
during kharif.
Paddy nursery : Weed in the paddy nursery are the potent source of weed plants
contamination in transplanted paddy. Weeds can be effectively controlled in paddy
nursery with the application of bautachlor / thiobencard at 1.5 kg/ha 7 days after
broadcasting pre germinated rice seeds or 3-7 days before pudding and broadcasting
the pre germinated seeds. Alternatively apply Sofit 37.5 EC (pertilachlor + Safner
ready mix) at 1.25 litre/ha as sand mix 3 days after sowing of pre-germinated seeds.
Maize
(a) Summer Crop : Application of atrazine at 0.6 to 1.0 kg/ha either as pre-
emergence or post-emergence (ten days after sowing) give very good control of
annual broadleaf as well as grass weeds. Application of simazine is effective
only as pre-emergence application against annual summer weeds.
(b) Winter Crop : Pre-emergence and post-emergence (four weeks after sowing)
application of atrazine at 0.625 to 0.75 kg/ha is highly effective against mot of
the winter season annual grass and broadleaf weeds. Pre-emergence application
of simazine at 0.75 kg/ha can also be made for season long control of weeds.
(c) Maize Fooder : The weed control measures for maize fodder are the same as
mentioned for the grain crop. Growing of maize as fodder up to September and
followed by wheat is a common practice among the farmers. In such situations
use of simazine is not recommended whereas atrazine is quite safe. Use of
simazine/atrazine is not recommended when maize is sown in mixture with other
crops like cowpea, guara. In maize + cowpea mixture, spray pendimethalin at
0.75 kg/ha within two days of sowing to control weeds.
Bajra (Fodder)
Mungbean
Soybean
Pedimethalin at 0.45 to 0.50 kg/ha as pre-emergence application is very effective
against annual weeds in this crop.
Cotton
Groundnut
Inter-cropping of autumn sugarcane with raya, wheat, winter maize, potato, toria,
gobhi sarson are recommended to make the autumn crop of sugarcane remunerative.
Under such situation only those herbicides could be used which are safe to both the
crops.
Sugarcane + Raya
For control of weed in autumn sugarcane intrcropped with raya, application of
isoproturon at 0.75 kg./ha after 25-30 days of sowing raya is quite effective and
selective to both the crops.
Sugarcane + Wheat
When this crop is intercropped with wheat, application of isoproturon at 0.94 kg/ha
at 30-40 days of sowing wheat give a good control of winter weeds.
Mentha
Pre-emergence application of diuron at 0.56 kg/ha give effective control of weeds
in this crop. This herbicide provides season long control of annual weeds only as it is
not effective against perennials like Cyperus (Motha), Cynodon (Khabbal gha), etc.
Fooders
Sorghum
Teosinte (Makchari)
To get good control of weeds and higher fodder yield spray atrazine/simazine at
0.5 kg/ha within 2-3 days of sowing.
Guinea Grass
Initial growth of this crop is very slow and get smothered by the weeds. To control
weeds spray atrazine at 0.625 kg/ha immediately after sowing.
Cow Peas
Wheat
Broadleaf Weeds : Broadleaf weeds like Chenopodium album (Bathu) in wheat can
effectively be controlled with 2, 4-D. This herbicide is available in 3 forms i.e. sodium
salt, ester and amine. All the three forms are equally effective against broadleaf
weeds. The time and rate of 2. 4-D applications are very important factors for getting
the best results. Its faulty application results in sterilization of spikelets in the ear
heads, smaller size grains, barren tillers, twisted ear heads, even awns of spike/ear
heads are also affected. Application of 2, 4-D at 0.5 kg/ha is recommended when
wheat is at maximum tillering stage, but before jointing stage. This herbicide cannot
be used in all the wheat varieties without testing the varietal sensitivity.
Wild Oats : Triallate (Avadex BW) at 1.25 kg/ha as pre-plant incorporation provides
good control of this weed. To ensure good results, spray the herbicide on a well
prepared seedbed and incorporate it into the upper 3 cm (not deeper) layer of the soil
by running a bar harrow over the seedbed. Sow wheat immediately afterwards
preferably with a drill at depth 5-6 cm (not shallower). This herbicide does not control
emerged wild oats plants and good soil moisture conditions i.e. near field capacity
enhances its effectiveness against wild oats.
Wild oats (Bigar/Jaundhar) can also be controlled with early post-emergence
application (20-25 days after sowing of wheat) of isoproturon at 0.563 kg/ha or
metoxuron at 0.9 kg/ha.
Alternatively diclofopmethyl at 0.875 kg/ha or tralkoxydim at 0.35 kg/ha applied
30-40 days after sowing wheat give excellent control of this weed.
Phalaris minor (Gullidanda) : Phalaris minor is the major weed of wheat in rice-
wheat cropping sequence in the state. Control of this weed through herbicide is more
efficient than mechanical weeding. Chemical weed control also helps in better
utilization of applied N and other nutrients. Following herbicides have been
recommended for control of Phalaris minor in wheat.
For control of weeds in durum wheat spray metoxuron 80 WP at 1. 875 kg/ha after
30-40 days of sowing or pendimethalin 30 EC at 2.5 litre/ha within 2 days of sowing
wheat. Isoproturon 75 WP at 1.25 kg/ha can also be sprayed in durum wheat 40-50
days after sowing for control of weeds but isoproturon berbicide should not be used in
durum wheat sown in light textured soils.
With the continuous use of isoproturon group of herbicides in wheat for control of
Phalaris, under certain situation there has been a development of resistant biotypes of
the weed in wheat. These biotypes cannot be controlled with the application of
isoproturon. New group of herbicides has now been recommended for control of
resistant biotypes of Phalaris in wheat and are given below :
Some times field have heavy infestation of some of the dicot weeds like jangli
matter/Do Kanni/Mattri, Leh, Billi booti, Takla, etc. along with grass weeds. In such
situations, application of isoproturon at 0.94 kg/ha + 2, 4D at 0.5 kg/ha (Tank mixed
application) gives excellent control of both types of weeds.
Barley
Herbicides used in wheat for control of weeds are also safe to this crop and can be
used.
Gram
This crop has an infestation of both grass and broadleaf weeds. Pre-emergence
application of linuron at 0.94 kg/ha provides an effective control of both types of
weeds.
Field Peas
Linseed
Sunflower
There is not much problems of weeds in sunflower sown during spring but if there
is problem of weeds, pre-emergence application of pendimethalin at 0.75 kg/ha in this
crop provides efficient control.
Berseem
During the early period of growth this crop faces severe competition from annual
grass weed Poa annua (Bueen) and Trianthema (Itsit). For control of Poa, application
of fluchloralin at 0.45 kg/ha on a well prepared seedbed just before sowing of berseem
provides excellent control of this weed. Under situations where Itsit (Trianthema) is a
problem, sow berseem mixed with raya which is fast growing crop and exert
tremendous smothering effect on Itsit or delay the sowing of berseem to second week
of October. Due to fall in temperature, there is a drastic reduction in the population of
Itsit.
To kill weeds on farm roads, water channels, around the tubewell house, farm
houses, etc. spray Gramoxone (paraquat) at 1.25 litre/ha (commercial) or glyphosate
at 1.0 kg/ha in 200 litres of water on bright sunny days. After use, always flush the
spray pump thoroughly with water. Keep the herbicides with its label intact.
It is a problem weed in waste lands, orchards, etc. This weed poses a serious health
hazards particularly causes allergy, eczema, asthema and dermatitis. It starts
appearing from end February onwards and makes luxuriant growth during rainy
season, the plants dry up during winter. This weed can be controlled by mechanical
means such as repeat cuttings and digging. It can also be controlled by spraying
Atrataf 50 WP (atrazine) or Roundup 41 EC (glyphosate) at 2.5 kg/ha as pre-
emergence or post-emergence. Parthenium is more susceptible to atrazine herbicide at
active growth stage, but before flowering.
KHARIF WEEDS
RABI WEEDS
RICE
1. Bacterial Leaf Blight
Xanthomonas campestris pv. oryzae
Greenish-yellow stripes appear along the leaf margins and extend both lengthwise
and breadthwise. The leaf starts drying from the tip, becomes white and in severe
cases, dries up completely. (Photo 3.1 a). Sometimes the disease attacks the freshly
transplanted seedlings which start wilting and in a few days the whole clump dries up
(Kresek phase) Photo 3.1b. The bacterium perpetuates through seed and possibly rice
straw during the off-season.
Control :
1. Grow resistant varieties i.e. PR 111, PR 113, PR 114, PR 115 and PR
116.
2. Apply recommended dose of nitrogenous fertilizers
3. Do not transplant before 10th June.
4. Do not Pond water in the field. Rice nursery as well as crop should not
be grown in shade.
5. Treat the seed before sowing nursery, with 10 g of ceresin wet and 1 g of
Streptocyline in 10 litres of water for 8-10 hours. If Cersan is not
available, use 10 g of Agallol or 5g Aretan/Tafasan.
2. Brown Leaf-Spot
Helminthosporium oryzae
It produces oval, eye-shaped spots with a conspicuous dark-brown dot in the centre
and light brown margin (Photo 3.2). The spot is surrounded by a yellow halo. Spots
are also produced on the grains. The disease occurs in poor soils. The pathogen
survives on seed and debris in soil. The disease spreads if there are rains and storm,
particularly at earing stage.
Control :
1. Treat the seed as given under Bacterial leaf-bright.
2. Transplant the crop at recommended time.
3. Apply adequate and balanced nutrition to the crop.
3. Blast
Pyricularia oryzae
Spindle-shaped spots, with greyish centre and brown margin, are formed on the
leaves at the stage of maximum tillering (Photo 3.3a). It also causes black lesions at
the neck of the panicle leading to its drooping (Photo 3.3b) known as neck-rot. The
disease is not serious on coarse and fine rice varieties being grown in Punjab.
However, it has been observed to cause a great loss to Basmati varieties in the districts
of Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Patiala and Ropar. The pathogen survives in the
rice straw.
Control :
1. Spray the affected crop with Indofil Z-78 (Zined 75%) 500g in 200 litres of
water at the stages of maximum tillering and ear emergence or Hinosan @ 200
ml in 200 litres of water.
2. Avoid excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizers, as nitrogen fertilizers and
farmyard manure increase the intensity of the disease.
3. Burn the rice straw.
4. False Smut
Ustilaginoidea virens
Symptoms become visible when the panicle starts to mature. The infection takes
place at the flowering or later. The inflected grains are transformed into large greenish
velvety spore-balls. The disease spreads during wet weather, generally a few spikelets
per panicle are infected (Photo 3.4). The application of organic manures and high
doses of nitrogenous fertilizers also increase the intensity of attack. The pathogen
survives in the form of sclerotia (spore-balls) in the soil.
Control :
1. Avoid the application of excess nitrogen to the crop, luxuriant crop is more
vulnerable.
2. Spray the crop at earing with Blitox (copper oxychloride) 50 WP@ 500g/acre
in 200 litres of water. Repeat the spray at ten day interval.
5. Kernel Smut
Neovossia horrida
This is a disease of grains only. The diseased grains show minute black pustules or
streaks bursting through the glume. In severe infection, a short beak-like or spurlike
out growth is produced by the rupturing glumes. Sometimes the entire grain is
replaced by a powdery black mass (Photo. 3.5) of smut spores. This black mass
scatters on the other grains and leaves and this is often the earliest way to detect the
disease in the field. Usually only few grains are attacked in a panicle. The disease
incidence is more on short duration varieties planted early. Heavy doses of nitrogen
also increase disease incidence.
Control :
1. Avoid early transplanting of the crop.
2. Use recommended dose of nitrogenous fertilizers.
3. Spray the crop meant for seed purposes only twice at 10 days interval with Tilt
25 EC @ 200 ml/200 litres of water / acre. First spray should be given at 10 %
panicle initiation stage.
6. Sheath Blight
Corticium sasakii
Greyish-green lesions with purple margin develop on the leaf sheath above the
water level (photo 3.6). Later, the lesions are usually not distinct till flowering.
Occasionally the symptoms appear on the leaf blade where it comes in contact with
the adjacent infected stem. Its severe attack results in poor filling of the grains.
Control :
1. Burn the rice straw and stubbles after harvesting the affected crop.
2. Avoid excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizers. Spray the crop with 200 g of
Bavistin or MBC in 200 litres of water/acre, as soon as the disease is noticed
during tillering to earing of the crop.
3. Keep the ‘bunds’ free from grasses.
4. In disease prone areas sow PR 108 which is tolerant to the disease.
3. Rust
Puccinia penniseti
Circular yellowish depressed patches appear on the upper surface of the leaves.
Numerous, small orange or brownish spore masses are formed in groups on both
surfaces of the leaves and also on stem which later turn black (Photo 3.15). The leaves
dry and grain yield is reduced. The fungus completes half of its life cycle on brinjal
leaves and another half on bajra. Bajra crop sown near brinjal crop has higher
incidence of rust.
Control :
Grow resistant varieties.
4. Grain Smut
Tolyposporium penicillariae
Individual grains in an ear get transformed into smut balls which may later burst
open to release millions of spores. These spores then get disseminated and cause
secondary infection on the portion of the ear which is enclosed in the sheath of the
upper leaf. The intensity of the attack varies according to the humidity in the area
(Photo 3.16)
Control :
1. Remove the diseased ears early in the season and destroy them.
2. Treat the seed before sowing with 3 g of Thiram/Captan per kg of seed to
prevent the introduction of smut into new areas.
COTTON
1. Angular leaf spot
Xanthomonas campestris pv malvacearum
The disease is both seed and soil borne. Lesions on the leaves appear as minute,
water-soaked, angular spots, which subsequently turn brown and then are transformed
into black angular dead lesions on both sides of the leaf (Photo 3.17). The bacterium
also infects the young developing bolls and causes small, round, water soaked spots
depressed in the centre. Black, elongate lesions on young stem and branches cause
girdling and death, known as black arm.
Control :
1. Add 5 g of Ceresan wet and either 1.3g of Streptocycline or 8g of Agrimycin
100 in 5 litres of water and soak the seed for an acre in it for 6-8 hours. In case
of acid delinted seed soaking for 2-4 hours in enough. If Ceresan wet is not
available use 5g of Agallol or 2.5g of Aretan/Tafasan.
2. Spray the crop with Blitox-50 (500g) + Agrimycin (20g)/Strepetocycline (3g)
per acre at 15-20 days intervals, starting just after first shower of rain. Three
sprays are enough. These chemicals can be combined with the pesticides
recommended for the control of insect pests.
Control :
The crop may be sprayed with 0.25% Blitox or Captan (500g in 200 litres of water)
at an interval of 15-20 days starting just after the first shower of rain. Two to three
sprays will be enough.
3. Myrothecium Leaf-Spot
Myrothecium roridum
The disease is caused by fungus, Myrothecium roridum. The disease is
characterized by circular to semi-circular brown spots with broad violet margins on
leaves, bracts, as well on bolls (Photo 3.19). At later stages, shield shaped, small
sized, fruiting bodies appear in the central chlorotic portion of the spot. The pathogen
is seed-borne but also survives on the diseased debris. High humidity and intermittent
rains are congenial for the development of the disease.
Control :
Same as for Alternaria leaf spot.
MOONG
Yellow Mosaic
It is a viral disease transmitted by whitefly and is more common on moong. The
leaves of the diseased plants develop irregular, yellow and green patches (Photo 3.20)
Control :
1. Rogue the virus-affected plants early in the season.
2. Grow tolerant varieties, Moong ML 613 and ML 267, PBM 1 and Mash 1-1.
3. Control whitefly, the insect vector, by spraying the crop with any of the
following insecticides, using 80 litres of water per acre with a manually
operated sprayer :
375 ml of Malathion 50 EC
Or
250 ml of Rogor 30 EC (dimethoate)
Or
250 ml Anthio 25 EC (formothion)
Or
250 ml of Metasystox 25 EC (Methyl demeton)
Or
90 ml Dimecron 85 WSC (phosphamidon)
GROUNDNUT
1. Collar Rot
Aspergillus niger
Seed can be attacked at any time after its sowing. Young plants collapse and die
soon after their emergence (Photo 3.21) due to rooting of the succulent elongating
hypocotyl. The hypocotyl is attacked both by soil-borne A. niger and by the fungus
growing from already infected cotyledons, or spores carried on the seed surface which
germinate after planting. This fungus also causes pre-emergence rots causing decrease
in germination. The disease causes damage within one month of sowing of the crop.
Control :
Treat the seed before sowing with 5 g Thiram (75%) or 3 g of Indofil M-45 (75%)
per kg of kernels.
2. Tikka
Control :
Spray the crop with Wettable sulphur 500-750 g/acre. Give 3-4 sprayings at
fortnightly intervals starting from the first week of August. Alternatively, spray the
irrigated crop with Bavistin/Derosal/Agrozim @ 50-60 g in 100 litres of water per
acre. Give three sprays at fortnightly intervals, starting when the crop is 40-day old.
SUGARCANE
1. Red Rot
Collectrotrichum flacatum
The disease appears from July till the crop is harvested. The top leaves of the
affected can lose colour and then wither. Later, the whole clump dries up. On splitting
open the cane, the tissues are found to be reddened but the discoloration is not
uniform (Photo 3.23). it is interspersed with white patches running across the width of
the split cane. The affected pith emits alcoholic smell.
Control :
1. Plant the seed from absolutely disease-free sets.
2. Crush the affected crop early and plough up the fields soon after harvesting the
crop. Collected and burn the stubbles.
3. Rogue and burn the diseased canes, uproot the entire clumps and not merely
the affected stalks.
4. Do not ratoon the diseased crop.
5. Grow varieties fairly resistant to red rot viz. CoJ 86, CoJ83, CoP 211 and CoS
8436.
6. Do not plant sugarcane in the disease affected fields for one year.
2. Wilt
Cephalosporium sacchari
This disease appears from July till the crop is harvested. Tops of the affected canes
start drying. On splitting open a diseased cane, the pit shows a dirty red discoloration
usually with long streaks. Near the nodes, the discoloration is invariably darker than
that in the remaining portion of the internodes. The affected stalks become light and
hollow (photo 3.24). As the fungus persists in the soil over a long period, the affected
fields or patches should be carefully marked out and not put under sugarcane.
Control :
1. Plant the seed from absolutely disease-free sets.
2. Crush the affected crop early and plough up the fields soon after harvesting the
crop. Collect and burn the stubble.
3. Rouge and burn the diseased canes, uproot the entire clumps and not merely
the affected stalks.
4. Do not ratoon the diseased crop.
5. Affected fields should not be put under sugarcane for 3 years.
3. Grassy Shoot
The disease is caused by mycoplasma like bodies. The affected give rise to
numerous thin tillers, the leaves become reduced in size, thin, and narrow and usually
turn chlorotic. As the buds go on producing thin tillers, no canes are formed. Where
the attack is light, one or two week canes may be formed. (Photo 3.25)
Control :
1. Uproot and destroy the affected clumps promptly.
2. Do not ratoon the diseased crop.
3. Give moist hot-air treatment to the seed-canes at 54°C for 4 hours to inactivate
the causal organism of this disease.
4. Smut
Ustilago scitaminea
The disease is prevalent throughout the year but is severe form May to July. Its
incidence increases in the ratoon crop. It is easily recognised by the appearance of
long whip like shorts (Photo 3.26) covered with dusty black mass of spores. These
whips may arise from the top of the canes as well as from the lateral sprouted buds.
The whip when young is covered by a thin, with and papery membrane. This is the
epidermis of the hosts. On maturity it ruptures and millions of black tiny spores are
liberated and disseminated by wind and cover long distances. Diseased plants can be
spotted even before the appearance of smut whips. The most conspicuous symptom
induced by the smut is the reduction in the size of the plant. The leaves in these plants
are thin, stiff and remain at an acute angle. Affected plants produce more tillers than
the healthy ones. Primary infection is caused by dormant mycelium in the lateral buds
of sugarcane. Diseased clumps have also been produced by dusting spores on the bud
at planting. Secondary infection is caused by wind blown spores. The spores can also
reach the host via irrigation to infect the sets.
Control :
1. Use only smut free canes for seed. Reject even the healthy looking canes in the
diseased stools or those growing in the vicinity of smutted canes.
2. Remove the smutted whips gently (without shaking) after putting them inside
a closely woven drill bag. Then uproot the entire clump and burn or bury them
deep. Immerse the bag used for collecting the whips in boiling water for 5
minutes after every rouging of the crop.
3. Do not ratoon the smutted crop.
4. For surface disinfestations, treat the cane sets with 0.5% Agallol (500 g in 100
litre of water) or 0.25% Tafasan or Emisan (250 g in 100 litre of water).
WHEAT
1. Yellow or Stripe Rust
Puccinia striiformis
This rust is the earliest to appear in Punjab. It survives on volunteer wheat plants in
the hills during the off season. The rust produce yellow pustules in stripes on the
leaves; when the season advances, these stripes on the leaves; 3.27). The rust becomes
severe by the end of February or 1st week of March. The affected leaves dry up, the
grains shrivel and the yield is very poor.
Control :
Grow resistant varieties.
Control :
Grow resistant varieties.
Control :
Grow resistant varieties.
4. Loose Smut
Ustilago nuda
A black loose powdery mass is produced in place of grains. All ears of the plant
are affected. When the powder is blown away by the wind, the rachis is left behind.
The fungus grows within the plant and no symptoms are visible till flowering occurs.
The flag leaf of infected plants in some varieties become chlorotic, even before the
emergence of diseased ear. The disease is internally seed-borne (Photo 3.30)
Control :
1. Soak the wheat seed in ordinary water from 8 a.m. to 12 noon on any calm and
sunny day during May and June. After its 4 hour soaking spread out the moist seed
in the sun in a thin layer (40 kg seed on 16 sq m ground space which must not be
covered with grass or any other vegetation) on cloth or hessian.
Dry the grains completely and store in a dry place till sowing.
2. Alternatively the seed may be treated with Vitavax @ 2g/ kg or Raxal one g/kg
or Bavistin/Agrozim/Derosal/J.K Steom 50/Provax/Bencor @ 2.5 g/kg seed.
5. Flag Smut
Urocystis agropyri
Long, narrow, lead grey or black streaks, running parallel to veins are formed on
the leaves. These symptoms become visible when the crop is about 60 to 70 days old.
The affected plants remain stunted, with only 2-3 tillers and rarely bear ears. The stem
bearing a small ear is also infected (Photo 3.31). The plants get infected during
germination of the seed before emergence from the soil. The disease is both seed and
soil-borne and spores of the fungus can survive in the soil for 2-3 years.
Control :
Dress the seed before sowing with fungicide viz. Thiram @ 3g/kg or Raxal one or
Vitavax @ 2g or Bavistan/Agrozim/Derosal/J.K. Stein/Stein 50 @ 2.5g/kg seed.
6. Karnal Bunt
Neovossia indica
The disease is characterized by the occurrence of partially infected grains in the
ear. The diseased grains, if crushed, give black spore mass which has peculiar stinking
smell (Photo 3.32). Only a few grains are attacked in an ear. Infection takes place only
in the flower-buds soon after the ears have emerged out of the boot leaves. The
infection is caused by the air-borne sporidia.
Control :
1. Grow resistant varieties namely PBW 34, PDW 233 and PBW 154 under
irrigated conditions and PBW 175 and PBW 299 under rainfed conditions.
2. A single spray of Tilt/Folicur 25 EC @ 200 ml/acre in 160 litre of water at ear
emergence stage should be given to the wheat crop meant for seed production
only.
7. Powedery Mildew
Erysiphe graminis tritici
The fungus develops numerous superficial white colonies on all the above ground
parts of the plants. The white colour of the colonies changes to grey or reddish brown
when cleistothecia develop. Infected plants become stunted due to reduction in the
size and number of leaves (Photo 3.33).
Control :
Spray with Karathane @ 0.5% (50 ml in 100 litres of water)
Control :
Put wheat seed in ordinary water and agitate vigorously for a few minutes.
Earcockle galls will float to the surface. These may be skimmed off with an ordinary
sieve and burnt.
GRAM
Gram Blight
Phyllosticta rabiei
Dark brown spots, studded with dot-like bodies, are produced on the stem,
branches, leaf-lets and pods. Even the seeds in the pods are infected. On pods and
leaves, the dot-like bodies are concentrically arranged (Photo 3.35). Shoot terminals
are specially liable to attack. In the event of excessive rains, whole crop may be
blighted and killed rapidly.
Control :
1. Grow the comparatively resistant varieties i.e. C 235 and PBG 1.
2. After harvest the diseased plants should not be allowed to stand in the field but
should be destroyed by burning.
3. Use disease-free seed.
4. Treat the seed with Bavistin + Thiram (1:1) @ 3 g 1 kg seed or
Heacap/Captan/Captaf 3gm/kg seed or Rovral & 2.5 g/kg seed.
5. Give 3-5 sprays of Brovo @ 600 ml/acre of Heacap or Idofil M-45 or Captaf
of Kavach @ 360 g/1acre in 120 litre of water at 15 day interval. Start spray
immediately after the appearance of the disease.
RAYA
1. Alternaria Blight
Alternaria brassicae
Brown to blackish spots with concentric rings appear on leaves and pods (Photo
3.36 a & b). Stems are also damaged. In case of severe attack, the upper parts of the
stem and pods wither. The grains become shrivelled and get infected. The pathogen in
the seeds get automatically killed by the time of next sowing. The pathogen remain
viable in the soil debris.
Control :
1. Destroy diseased debris from the previous crop.
2. Spray the crop for three to four times with 250 g of Rovral or Blitox or Indofil
M-45 in 100 litres of water per acre starting at about 75 days old crop, at an
interval of 15 days.
2. White Rust
Albugo candida
Prominent white or creamy-yellow, scattered pustules appear on the under surgace
of the leaves. The swelling of affected parts often results. Flowers get malformed and
become sterile. Petals become green and stamens are transformed into leaf-like
structures which become thick and club shaped. All parts are attacked, except roots
(Photo 3.37).
Control :
1. Destroy diseased debris of the previous crop.
2. Spray the crop for three to four times with 250 g of Blitox or Indofil M-45 in
100 litres of water per acre starting at about 75 days old crop.
BERSEEM
Stem Rot
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
The fungus which is present in the seed or in the soil attacks the basal portion of
the stem and causes it to rot. It produces white cottony mycelium which (Photo 3.38)
beings to grow on the dead organic matter on the surface of the soil. The white
mycelium can be very easily spotted in the field around the wilted patches of the
berseem crop. The incidence of disease is higher under high humidity and low
temperature conditions. September sown crop has higher disease incidence as
compared to that sown in November.
Control :
1. Use disease free seed. If black coloured sclerotia are suspected in the seed then
put the seed in 10% salt solution and remove the sclerotia by skimming. Then
wash the seed in ordinary water thoroughly.
2. Plough the fields followed by flooding in May June to kill the sclerotia present
in the soil.
3. Avoid early sowing of the crop.
4. Follow 3-4 year crop rotation.
5. The irrigation interval of 11-13 days form December to February showed less
disease and significantly increase the fodder and seed yield.
6. Spray the crop after first cutting with 400 g of
Bavistin/Agrozem/Derosal/J.K.stein in 200 litres of water/acre. One spray is
sufficient.
INSECT PESTS
COTTON
1. Cotton Jassid
It is the most destructive pest of American cotton. Besides cotton, it also feeds on
okra, potato, brinjal and some wild plants.
Adult is wedge-shaped, pale green during summer and reddish brown in winter.
Each forewing measuring about 3 mm has a black spot on its posterior part (Photo 4.1
a). Nymphs are usually green.
Life cycle :
Jassid is found throughout the year. The female lays yellowish eggs in the leaf
veins, on the underside. The eggs hatch in about 4-11 days and the young nymphs
feed on leaf sap for 7-12 days. The winged adults live for 35 to 50 days feeding
constantly on the plant sap. It completes seven generations in a year.
Damage :
The adults and nymphs suck sap from the leaves which turn yellow or reddish
brown. The leaves curl downwards, dry-up and fall to the ground in case of severe
attack (Photo 4.1b).
Control :
At the time of sowing, smear the cotton seed with Gaucho 70 WS (Imidacloprid)
@ 5g/kg seed or spray 250 ml of Rogor 30 EC (dimethoate) or 300 ml of Metasystox
(oxydemeton methyl) 25 EC or 75ml of Dimecron 85 SL (phoshamidon) or 40 ml
Imidacloprid 200 SL in 100 litres of water per acre.
2. Cotton Whitefly
Bemisia tabaci Genn. (Hemiptera; Aleyrodidae)
It is a serious pest of American cotton, particularly in the dry areas. Besides cotton,
it also attacks cabbage, cauliflower, sarson, toria, melon, potato, brinjal, okra and
some weeds.
Body of the adult is light yellow covered with mealy powder, wings are white and
body-length is about 1.25 mm (Photo 4.2a). The louse like nymphs are sluggish
creatures, clustered together on the underside of the leaves (Photo 4.2b).
Life cycle :
The insect breeds throughout the year. The female lays stalked and yellow eggs
singly on the underside of the leaves. The eggs hatch in 3 to 33 days. The nymphal
stag lasts for 9 to 81 days. The pupal stage is completed in 2 to 8 days. The whole life
cycle is completed in 14 to 22 days. It has 11 generations in a year.
Damage :
The adults and nymphs suck plant sap and thus, lower the plant variety. As a result
of severe feeding the plats give sickly appearance.
Control :
Spray 300 ml Metasystox 25 EC (oxydemeton methyl) or Anthio 25 EC
(Formothion) or 250 ml Rogor 30 EC (Dimethoate) or 75 ml Dimecron 85SL
(Phosphamidon) in 100 litres of water per acre.
3. Cotton Aphid
Introduction :
It is a sporadic pest of cotton. It also feeds on chilli, cucurbits, potato and many
ornamental plants, The apterous adult is light yellow to light green, whereas winged
form is brown in colour. The cornicles are predominantly black and easily visible.
Life cycle :
Both winged and apterous forms breed parthenogenetically. It becomes active on
cotton from May to November. The female deposits about 20-50 nymphs. The
nymphal period varies from 3 to 20 days depending upon the climate. It moults four
times to become an adult. Its average reproductive period is about 2 weeks. The length
of life cycle varies from 9 to 64 days with an average of 28 days.
Damage :
Both the young and adults suck plant sap. The plants become weak and the tender
shoots, leaves fade gradually and may become blighted if attack is severe (Photo 4.3).
Control :
As given under cotton whitefly.
4. Cotton Thrip
Thrips tabaci Linn.
(Thysanoptera; Thripidae)
Introduction :
It is commonly found o cotton, cruciferous vegetables, onion, garlic, potato and
tomato. The adults are slender and yellowish brown. The males are wingless, whereas
the females have long, narrow wings. The nymphs are smaller and wingless but
resemble adults both in shape and colour.
Life cycle :
It is found throughout the year. It breeds on cotton from May to September. The
adult female lays 50 to 60 kidney – shaped eggs, singly into the green plant tissue, at
the rate of 4 to 6 eggs per day. They hatch in 3 to 8 days. The nymphal stages last for
4 to 6 days, pre-pupal for 1 to 2 days and pupal for 2-4 days. It overwinters as adult.
Several generations are found in a year.
Damage :
The thrip and its nymphs lacerate the surface tissues of the foliage and suck the
exuding sap. In severe infestion, the plants appear blighted and occasionally dry up
(Photo 4.4).
Control :
As given under cotton whitefly.
Introduction :
It is found on cotton, okra, maize, pearl-millet, wheat and clovers. The adults are
red in colour with a black spot on each forewing (Photo 4.5). The nymphs are also red
in colour and resemble adults but are smaller than adults.
Life cycle :
The insect is active throughout the year and passes winter in adult stage. It lays
spherical and bright yellowish eggs in soil. They hatch in about 7-8 days and the
nymphs develop into adults in about 50 to 90 days. The adults may live up to 90 days.
Damage :
Both adults and nymphs suck sap from bolls and stain lint.
Control :
As given under cotton whitefly.
6. Pink Bollworm
Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders)
(Lepidoptera; Gelechiidae)
Introduction :
It is one of the most destructive pests of cotton. The adult is deep brown measuring
12-13 mm across the wings. Forewings are dark brown having black spots; hind wings
are silvery grey with fringes of long hair. Full-grown larvae (8-10mm) are pink (Photo
4.6a).
Life cycle :
The insect is most active from August to November. It has 4-6 generations in a
year. The larval stage lasts for about two weeks. Pupation occurs among fallen leaves
and debris.
Damage :
The larvae feed on flower buds, flowers and bore into the bolls. Attacked young
bolls are shed after few days, but large bolls remain on the plant. The attacked bolls
either remain unopened or depict bad opening (Photo 4.6b).
Control :
In order to control bollworms, conduct sprays at 10 days interval on different
varieties during their effective boll formation period. The cotton fields should be
examined twice a week in order to ensure that bollworm damage does not exceed 5
per cent level among the freshly shed fruiting bodies. In case the damage exceeds 5
per cent, the crop should be sprayed immediately and thereafter follow the 10 days
interval and stopping two weeks before the first picking with any of the following
insecticides.
Sr. Isecticide Dose/acre Brands
no.
1. Asymethrin 5 EC 100 ml Chinmix
2. Alphamethrin 10 EC 100 ml Fastac/Alphaguard/Merit Alpha.
3. a) Cypermethrin 10 EC 200 ml Cymbush/Cyperkill/Challenger/Cyper/
b) Cypermethrin 25 EC 80 ml Cythion/Cyperguard/Mark/Cyper/
cyrux
4. a) Deltamethrin 2-8 EC 160 ml Decis/Delta/Rukrain/Decicare
b) Deltamethrin 4 percent 110 ml Decis
5. Fenvalerate 20 EC 100 ml Sumicidin/Fenval/Agrofen/Fenlik/Agrofe
n/Agrofen/Fenlik/Fenvalerate/Markfenval
/Fenrio
6. Fluvalinate 25 EC 120 ml Mavrik
7. a) Carbaryl 50 WP 1 Kg Sevin/Hexavin
b) Carbaryl 40 LV 1.25 Kg Sevimol
c) Carbaryl 85 S 600 ml Sevin
d) Carbaryl 42 % 120 ml Sevin flo.
8. Profenophos 50 EC 500 ml Curacron/Carina
9. Acephate 75 SP 800 g Orthene/Asataf/Starthene
10. Monocrotophos 36 SL 500 ml Corophos/Milphos/Markphos/Nuvacron/
Phoskill/
Monocil/Monolik/Luphos/Azophos
11. a) Quinalphos 25 EC 800 ml Ekalux/GAIC Quinalphos/Quinguard.
b) Quinalphos 20 AF 1000 ml Ekalux
12. a) Fenitrothion 50 EC 850 ml Folithion/Sumithion/Accothion
b) Fenitrothion 82.5 EC 500 ml Folithion
13. Phenthoat 50 EC 400 ml Phendol
14. Chlorpyriphos 20 EC 2 litres Caroban/Dursban/Durmet. Chlorguard/
Radar/Lethal
15. Triazophos 40 EC 600 ml Hostathion
16. Ethion 50 EC 800 ml Fosmite/E-mite/Volthion
17. Endosulfan 35 EC 1 lit. Thiodan/Endocel
7. Spotted Bollworm
Earias insulana (Boisd.) and E.
vittella (Fab.) (Lapidoptera;
Noctuidae)
Introduction :
Both species cause heavy damage to cotton, okra, gulkhera, holly hock, and some
other malvaceous plants.
The moth is yellowish green and measures about 30 mm across the wings. The full
grown larvae are dull green and have tiny stout blackish bristles and a series of
longitudinal black spots on the body. The head is brown (Photo 4.7a)
Life cycle :
During April, the moths lay eggs singly on flower buds, brackets and tender leaves.
The eggs hatch in 3-4 days. The larval stage is completed in 10-16 days. The pupation
occurs either on plants or on the ground among fallen leaves. Pupal period lasts for
about 4 to 9 days. The life cycle is completed in 17-29 days.
Damage :
The larvae bore into the growing shoots, flower buds, flowers. The attacked
terminal shoots wither away and dry up. The attacked fruiting bodies are usually shed.
The holes in the infested bolls are filled with excreta. Sometimes the lint is spoiled by
larval feeding (Photo 4.7b). In case of severe infestation the shedding of fruiting
bodies may be as high as 80 percent.
Control :
Use insecticides as given under pink bollworm. Start spray about 10 days earlier
than that for pink bollworm.
Note :-
Avoid using insecticides of the same group in more than three sprays against boll
worms.
8. American Bollworm
Introduction :
It is a sporadic pest and feeds on cotton, sorghum, okra, maize and gram. The moth
is stoutly built and is yellowish brown. It has a dark speck and a dark area near the
outer margin of each forewing. The green coloured larvae have a dark broken
longitudinal stripes along the sides of its body (Photo 4.8a).
Life cycle :
This pest is active throughout the year. The female moths lay shining greenish
yellow, round eggs singly on tender parts of the plants. The eggs hatch in 4 to 6 days.
The larvae become full grown in 13 – 19 days. The pupation takes place in soil for 8-
15 days in active season whereas in winter the duration is prolonged. There may be as
many as eight generations in a year.
Damage :
The larvae attack fruiting bodies and cause severe shedding (Photo 4.8b).
Developed bolls are also eaten completely by the grown up caterpillars.
Control :
For its effective control use any of the insecticides except 15 to 17 as given under
pink bollworm, at 10-day interval. Prefer to use acephate/chlorpyriphos/fenitrothion
against grown up larvae of this pest more than 1.25 cm long.
Introduction :
It is a sporadic pest of cotton, okra, gulkhera and some forest trees. Moths are
yellowish white with black and brown spots on the head and the thorax. There are
series of dark-brown wavy lines on the wings. The colour of larvae vary form
greenish grey to pink.
Life cycle :
It is active from March to October and passes winter as a full-grown caterpillar
among plant debris or in soils. Moths lay eggs singly on the underside of the leaves.
The eggs hatch in about 2 – 6 days. The larval instar lasts for 15 – 35 days. The pupal
stage is completed in about 6 -12 days. The life cycle is completed in 25 – 53 days. It
passes through 5 to 6 generation in a year.
Damage :
The damage is done by larvae which are usually found feeding inside the rolled
leaves. In case of pest outbreak, the plants may be completely defoliated (Photo 4.9).
Control :
Use insecticides as given under pink bollworm.
PADDY
1. White-Backed Plant Hopper
Introduction :
The adult is a straw-coloured, wedge-shaped insect, with white back. The nymph is
greyish white and turns dark grey when fully mature.
Life cycle :
The plant hopper becomes active in May in the paddy nursery, from where it shifts
to the transplanted trop. The eggs are laid generally on the leaf sheath. They hatch in 3
to 5 days. The nymphs feed for 9 to 13 days before transforming into adults. The life
cycle is completed in 12 to 18 days. It has several generations in a year.
Damage :
The nymphs and the adults suck cell sap from the leaves and tend to congregate on
the leaf sheath at the base of the plant. The leaves of attacked plants turn yellow and
later on rust red. The attacked plants dry up without producing ears. The patches
called ‘Hopper burn’ usually round in shape, appear at many places in the fields. Later
on these patches extend rapidly if the attack remains unchecked (Photo 4.10).
Control :
Spray 250 ml of Lebaycid 1000 EC (Fenthion) or 800ml of Ekalux/Quinguard
25Ec or 1000 ml Ekalux 20AF (quinalphos) or one litre of Coroban / Dursban 20 EC
(chlorpyriphos) or 560ml of Thiodan/Endocel 35 EC (endosulfan) or 560 ml of
Nuvacron 36 SL (Monocrotophos) in 100 litres of water per acre.
2. Leaf Hopper
Nephotettix spp. (Hemiptera; Cicadellidae)
Introduction :
It is found in all the rice-growing regions of India. Both adults and nymphs are
greenish and are smaller and slender than sogatella. (Photo 4.11).
Life cycle :
The pest becomes active in March. The eggs are laid on the inner surface of the
leaf sheath. The eggs hatch in 3 – 5 days and the nymphal stage lasts for 12 -21 days.
There are about six overlapping generation from March to November. The pest
population is maximum in July-August. The insect overwinters in the adult stage.
Damage :
As a result of severe feeding on cell sap, the plants turn yellow and lose vigour. It
also spreads tungro virus in rice crop.
Control :
The same as given for white-backed plant hopper.
3. Rice Stem-Borer
Tryporyza incertulas (Walker)
(Lepidoptera; Pyralididae
Introduction :
It is a specific pest of rice. The adult moth is yellowish white with orange-yellow
front wings. The female moth has a prominent tuft of brownish yellow silken hair at
the tip of its abdomen. The caterpillars are dirty-white.
Life cycle :
It becomes active in April. The female lays oval, flattened, pearly white eggs, on
the underside of the leaves. The eggs are covered with yellowish brown hair of the
female tuft. They hatch in 6-7 days and the tiny black-headed larvae bore into the
stem from the growing points downwards. The larva is full-fed in 16-27 days and
undergoes pupation for 9-12 days, inside the attacked plant. The life cycle is
completed in 31-46 days. There are 4-5 generations in a year.
Damage :
The affected young plants show dead-hearts (Photo 4.12a); whereas the old ones
produce empty ear-heads which turn white and stand erect (Photo 4.12b).
Control :
The fields showing more than 5% dead hearts should be sprayed with 250 ml of
Dimecron/Cildon/Phamidon/Bilcron/Kinadon 85 SL (Phosphamidon) or 560 ml of
Nuvacron/Monocil 36 SL (monocrotophos) or 1 litre of
Coroban/Dursban/Lethal/Chlorguard/Durmet/Classic 20 EC (chlorpyriphos) in 100
litres of water per acre. The insect can also be controlled by applying 7.5 kg Sevidol
4:4G (Carbaryl-gemma BHC) per acre in standing water.
In case of Basmati rice, borers should be controlled by spraying above mentioned
insecticides, five times at 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 days after transplanting the crop. The
pest can also be controlled by applying 10 kg Padan 4G or Caldan 4G
(Cartaphydrochloride) or 7.5 kg Sevidol 4:4 G per acre at 30, 50 and 70 days after
transplanting.
(Lepidoptera; Pyralididae)
Introduction :
This pest occurs in all rice-growing areas of the State. The moth is golden or
yellowish brown. The wings have 2-3 wavy lines characterised by dark bands. A
newly emerged larva is dull white or light yellow with a brown head. The full-growin
greenish larva is slender and measures 20-25 mm in length.
Life cycle :
It is active from July to October and is at its peak during August-September. The
moths lay oval, creamy-white eggs singly on the under surface of the leaves and leaf-
sheaths. The eggs hatch in 3 to 4 days. The larval stage is completed in 15 to 25 days.
Pupation takes place in loose silken webs in between the leaves and lasts for 6 to 8
days. The life cycle is completed in 25 – 35 days.
Damage :
The larvae fold the leaves, eat out the green tissue and produce zig-zag white
streaks. In case of severe attack the leaves turn brown and dry up (Photo 4.13 a,b).
Control :
Spray 250 ml of Folithion/Sumithion/Accothion 50 EC (fenitrothion) or 150 ml
Lebaycid 1000 EC (fenthion) or one litre of Coroban/Durmet 20 EC (chlorpyriphos)
or 560 ml of Nuvacron / Monocil 36 SL (monocrotophos) in 100 litres of water.
Application of Padan 4 G or Caldan 4G (Cartaphydrochloride) 10 kg per acre will also
check leaf-folder.
5. Rice Hispa
Dicladispa armigera Olivier
(Coleoptera; Chrysomelidae)
Introduction :
It is a serious pest in some areas of Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur and
Kapurthala Districts.
The adult is a small bluish black beetle covered with numerous short spines on the
body (Photo 4.14). The legless, creamy-white grubs are seen concealed inside the leaf
tissue.
Life cycle :
It breeds actively from May to October and hibernates during the winter in the
adult stage. In May, the beetles lay eggs on nursery plants. On hatching, the young
grubs feed as leaf miners, between the upper and lower epidermis. Full grown grubs
pupate in between the leaves. The pest completes 2-3 generations during the paddy
season.
Damage :
The grubs of this pest tunnel into the leaves whereas the adults are exposed feeder.
The grubs cause damage by producing bold, white streaks on the leaves (Photo 4.14).
Control :
Spray 120 ml of Methyl Parathion 50 EC or 250 ml of
Folithion/Sumithion/Accothion 50 EC (fenitrothion) or one litre of Lindane 20EC
(gamma BHC) in 100 liters of water per acre. Repeat the spraying after two weeks if
the attack persists.
MAIZE
1. Maize jassid
Zygnidia manaliensis (Singh)
(Hemiptera; Cicadellidae)
Introduction :
It is principally a pest of the spring-sown maize crop in the Punjab. It also feeds on
other corps like barley, pearl millet, sorghum, sudangrass and wheat.
Both the adults and nymphs are dirty white and wedge shaped (Photo 4.14). The
average body length of adults varies from 3.05 to 3.06 mm.
Life cycle :
The maize jassid is active throughout the year. The egg and nymphal stages varied
from 7 – 11 days and 9 – 16 days, respectively. The female lives longer then the male.
The longevity of the adults vary from 38 to 80 days depending upon the season.
Damage :
Both the nymphs and the adults suck sap from under surface of the leaves causing
typical white stipplings on the upper surface. The affected leaves turn white and give
sickly appearance due to loss in chlorophyll and heavy sucking of cell sap by the
jassid (Photo 4.15).
Control :
Spray 200 ml of Metasystox 25 EC (Oxydemeton-methyl) or Rogor 30 EC
(dimethoate) in 80 litres of water per acre.
2. Maize Borer
Introduction :
It is a serious pest of maize and sorghum. It also feeds on bajra, sugarcane,
sudangrass and some other grasses.
The grown-up caterpillars are dirty white, with black head and four brownish
longitudinal stripes on the back (Photo 4.16a). The adult moths are yellowish grey and
measure about 25 mm when wings are spread.
Life cycle :
The insect breeds actively from March to October and hibernates in winter as a
full-grown larvae in maize and sorghum stubble, stalks or unshelled cobs. A female
lays over 300 oval yellowish eggs in clusters. The eggs hatch in 4-5 days. The larval
stage is completed in 14-28 days and pupation occurs inside the attacked stem. The
life cycle is completed in 21 days, and there are 5 generations in a year.
Damage :
The young larvae first scrape the leaves and then bore into the stem through the
whorl of leaf sheath. The central leaves of whorl get perforated. In young plants, the
growing point is killed and a dead-heart results (Photo 4.16b).
Control :
1. Remove and destroy the plants showing borer injury, while hoeing the crop.
2. Spray 2 weeks after sowing with 100 g of Sevin 50 WP (carbaryl) or 175 ml
Folithion/Sumithion 50EC (fenitrothion) or 200 ml Lindane 20 EC (gamma
BHC) or 100 ml Thiodan 35 EC (endosulfan) or 100 ml Nuvacron 36 SL
(monocrotophos) or 40 ml of sumicidin 20 EC (fenvalerate) or Ripcord 10 EC
(Cypermethrin) or 80 ml Decis 2.8 EC (deltamethrin) in 50 liters of water per
acre. Normally no additional spray is required after the spray with pyrethroids.
GROUNDNUT
1. White grub
Holotrichia consanguinea
(Blanchard) (Coleoptera; Melolonthidae)
The full-grown grub is white, having a brown head and prominent legs. The adult
beetle is dull brown (Photo 4.17 ab).
Life cycle :
The insect becomes active with the onset of the monsoon. The adult beetles lay
eggs singly in soil up to a depth of 10cm. The eggs hatch in 7-10 days. The grubs
become fullfed in 8-10 weeks. The pupal stage lasts for about a fortnight. There is
only one generation in a year.
Damage :
The grubs eat away fine root-lets and also girdle the main root ultimately killing
the plants (Photo 4.17 c). The adult beetles, at evening, feed on foliage and may
completely defoliate trees like ber, guava and neem.
Control :
1. Sow the crop early i.e. between 10 and 20 June wherever possible.
2. Treat the seed before sowing with 12.5 ml of Dursban 20 EC (chlorpyriphos)
per kg kernels.
3. Apply 4 kg Thimet 10G (Phorate) or 13 kg Furadan 3G (carbofuran) per acre
in the soil at or before sowing.
4. Kill the beetles by spraying 200 g Sevin/Hexavin 50 WP (Carbaryl) or 50 ml
Folithion/Sumithion 50 EC (Fenitrothion) in 100 litres of water. The spray
should be repeated after every rainfall till the middle of July.
2. Groundnut Aphid
Aphis craccivora Koch.
(Homoptera; Aphididae)
This greenish black aphid is a serious pest of groundnut, cowpea, beans, pulses,
safflower and some weeds.
The winged adults have black wings whereas the wingless adults and nymphs are
brownish in colour (Photo 4.18)
Life cycle :
It becomes active on groundnut when the rainfall is low. The winged female lays 8
– 30 young ones during its life span of 10 to 12 days. The nymph moults four times
before becoming adults in 5 to 8 days. Reproductive life of the adult lasts for 7 days.
This pest multiplies throughout the year and both the winged and wingless forms are
present.
Damage :
Adult as well as young ones suck cell sap particularly form the growing points.
This pest is also a vector of a virus disease known as the rosette of groundnut.
Control :
Spray 250 ml of Malathion 50 EC or 150 ml of Rogor 30 EC (dimethoate) or 150
ml of Metasystox 25 EC (oxydemeton-methyl) in 80 litres of water as soon as the
pest appears. Repeat after two weeks if necessary.
SUGARCANE
1. Sugarcane termite
The white-ants or the termites are the most destructive pests of crops particularly
sugarcane, wheat and chilli. The termites are social insects and their colony consists
of numerous workers, soldiers, one queen, a king and a good number of
complementary forms.
Life cycle :
In the rainy season, when atmospheric conditions are favourable, the colonizing
forms leave their parent colony. The members of the swarm comprise individuals of
both sexes. Both the male and the female participate in the early operations o forming
a nest. The eggs hatch in 7 days during the summer and within 180 days the larvae
develop to form soldiers or workers. The reproductive castes when produced mature
in 12-24 months.
Damage :
The termites live on cellulose which they obtain from dead and living vegetable
matter. It destroys the germinating buds of sugarcane and causes the drying of shoots
after germination (Photo 4.19).
Control :
1. To avoid termite attack, apply only well rotten farmyard manure.
2. Remove the stubbles and debris of the pervious crop from the field.
3. At sowing time, prepare emulsion of 2 litres of Lindane/Kanodane 20 EC
(gamma BHC) in 400-600 litres of water for one acre and apply to cane-sets in
the furrows before planking or apply 7.5 kg granules of Sevidol 4:4G (gamma
BHC + Carbaryl) before the sets are covered with soil by planking. Earth up
slightly and follow with light irrigation
It attacks mainly sugarcane crop but it has also been found feeding on maize, rice
and many grasses. The adult bug is black with white patches on the wings which
extend slightly beyond the abdomen. Nymphs are dull pink. They resemble adults in
shape but are smaller in size (Photo 4.20)
Life cycle :
During spring the female lays creamy with eggs on the inner side of the leaf-
sheath. During peak period of activity, the eggs hatch in 9-17 days. The development
period of nymphs varies from 28 to 42 days. It has three generations in a year. This
pest passes winter in egg stage in soil.
Damage :
Both the nymphs and adults suck cell sap from the leaf-whorl. The attacked crop
looks pale. The damage is comparatively more on ratoon crop.
Control :
Spray crop with 350 ml Thiodan 35 EC (endosulfan) or 225 ml of
Sumithion/Folithion/Accothion 50EC (fenitrothion) or 350 ml Dursban 20 EC
(chlorpyriphos) in 250 litres of water per acre. Direct the spray material into the leaf
whorl.
3. Sugarcane Pyrilla
Life cycle :
The insect is found throughout the year. The adults lay oval and pale-white eggs in
clusters under white fluffy material on the underside of the leaves. During summer the
eggs hatch in 8-10 days and during winter in 21 to 28 days. The nymphs become
adults in 56 days in summer and 150 – 180 days in winter. It completes 3 to 4
generations in a year.
Damage :
Both the adults and nymphs suck cell sap. The leaves of the damaged crop turn
yellow. Later on the crop turns black and the tops become unfit for feeding to cattle. It
also reduces the cane yield and sugar recovery heavily.
Control :
Spray 400-500 ml of Thiodan 35EC (Endosulfan) or 260-350 ml of
Folithion/Sumithion/Accothion 50EC (fenitrothion) per acre in 150 litres of water per
acre.
4. Sugarcane whitefly
Besides sugarcane, the white fly also survives on Sarkanda. The adults are small
delicate pale yellow insects with wings having white mealy powder mottled with
black dots. The grown-up nymphs are oval, flattened and scale-like and remain
sticking to the same spot on a leaf (Photo 4.22). Nymphs are black having silvery grey
waxy coating on the body.
Life cycle :
Winged adults appear in March and lay creamy white conical eggs on the leaves.
Eggs hatch in 8-10 days. The young nymphs are pale yellow and become full grown
in 25-30 days. The pupal stage lasts for 10-11 days. The insect completes nine
generation in a year.
Damage :
The nymphs feed on cell sap. Yellow streaks appear on the attacked leaves and the
crop acquires a pale-green appearance. The general vitality of the plants is reduced
and both the quality and quantity of gur becomes poor.
Control :
Spray the crop with 1 to 1.5 litres of Malathion 50EC in 150 litres of water per acre
with a manually operated sprayer.
The caterpillars are dirty white and have light violet longitudinal stripes on their
bodies (Photo 4.23a). Moths have straw coloured forewings and whitish hindwings
with apical light buff areas.
Life cycle :
It becomes active in March and lays creamy-white scale-like eggs on the surface of
leaves. The eggs hatch in 4-5 days. The larvae each the plant base, bore into the shoot
and fed there for three weeks. They undergo pupation for 7 days inside the canes. The
life cycle is completed in 5 – 6 weeks and the pest multiplies four or five times in a
year.
Damage :
In young plants, the caterpillars cause dead hearts which can be easily pulled out.
The attacked plants dry up completely (Photo 4.23b). After the formation of canes, its
attack does not produce dead hearts and the damage is confined to a few internodes.
Control :
1. Plant the crop early i.e. before the middle of March.
2. At plantation time, apply 2 litres of Lindane/Kanodane 20EC (gamma BHC) in
400-600 litres of water to the cane sets in the furrows, with a sprinkling can or
apply 7.5 kg granules of Sevidol 4:4G (gamma BHC + Carbaryl) before the
sets are covered with soil by planking or apply 10 kg of granules of Padan 4G
(Cartap-hydrochloride) mixed in 20 kg sand or 2 litres of Durmet 20
EC/Classic 20EC/Durshan 20EC (chlorpyriphos) in 400 litres of water/acre at
post-germination stage (about 45 days after planting). Earth up slightly and
follow with light irrigation
6. Sugarcane Top-Borer
Scirpophaga novella Fabricius
(Lepidoptera; Pyralidiadae)
This pest, apart from sugarcane is also found on Sarkanda, Kahi and some other
grasses.
The full-grown caterpillar is creamy white and 20-30 mm long. The moth are pure
white. A female moth carries a red dish tuft of silken hairs at the tip of its abdomen.
Life cycle :
The moths emerge during March and start laying eggs on the under surface of
the leaves. Eggs hatch in 5-7 days. The young larvae bore into the mid rib of a leaf,
mining their way to the base. They become full-grown in 4-5 weeks. The pupation
takes place inside the cane for 7-9 days. Thus this pest has 4-5 generations up to
November and passes winter as a full-grown larva in the cane tops.
Damage :
The young plants attacked by this pest show characteristic reddish streaks on
the mid-ribs of the leaves and also show a number of shot-holes in the leaves,
ultimately causing dead hearts. After the formation of canes, the attacked plants show
peculiar bunchy tops (Photo 4.24).
Control :
1. Cut the attacked shoots at the ground level from April to June.
2. Apply 12 kg of Furadan 3 G (carbofuran) or Thimet 10 G (phorate) at the base
of the shoots in the last week of June. Earth up slightly and give a light
irrigation immediately.
7. Gurdaspur Borer
Bissetia steniellus (Hampson)
(Lepidoptera; Crambidae)
Life cycle :
The moth emerges in June and lays scale-like eggs on the upper surface of the
leaves. Along the mid rib. The eggs hatch in 4-9 days. The young larvae enter the top
portion of a cane through a single hole just above a node. They feed gregariously for
about 7-10 days by making spiral galleries which run upwards. As the larvae grow
they come out of the cane and disperse attacking adjoining canes individually. Larval
stage is completed in 19-27 days and undergoes pupation for 6-12 days. The pest
completes the life-cycle in 5-6 weeks and it has 2 or 3 generations in a year. It passes
the winter and the early part of summer as a full-grown larva in sugarcane stubble.
Damage :
This borer causes the withering of the central leaves notably the fifth leaf
followed by the total drying up of the tops. With a slight jerk to the affected canes,
they break at the point of attack.
Control :
1. Rogue out the canes showing withered tops, every week from June to
September. Burn or bury them deep in soil.
2. Plough up the fields not meant for rationing and destroy the stubbles before
June.
8. Stalk Borer
Chilo auricilia Dudgeon
(Lepidoptera; Crambidae)
It is commonly know as the Tarai borer and is found mainly on sugarcane. The
full-grown larva is light bluish pink in colour with five longitudinal violet stripes on
its back. The forewings of the straws-coloured moth have golden spots and the hind
wings are silvery white.
Life cycle :
The insect is active throughout the year but its peak period of activity is from
March to October. In February, scale like eggs are laid in leaf-sheaths or on the
underside of leaves. The young larvae emerge from eggs in 7 days. The larval period
is completed in 21 to 42 days. The pupation occurs within cane for 7 days. The full
life cycle is completed in 35 to 63 days. In all, 5 to 6 overlapping generations are
completed in a year. During winter, it is found in larval forming canes or stubbles.
Damage :
It causes damage in the larval stage by feeding inside the stem. A larva feeds for
some times in one node and then comes out to attack another node. Thus cane may be
attacked at several places (Photo 4.26). The cane yield and sugar recovery are
adversely affected.
Control :
1. Do not ratoon a heavily infested crop.
2. Do not leave the water-shoots in the field.
3. Do not plant the cane set from the infested field.
4. Staple 40 Tricho-cards (5cm x 2.5cm) hard paper piece glued with 7 days old
eggs of laboratory host, Corcyra Cephalonica parasitized by Trichogramma
chilonis to the undersides of sugarcane leaves from July to October at 10 days
interval. Normally 10-12 releases are required.
5.
ARHAR
Arhar Leaf-Webber
Cydia critica (Meyrick)
(Lepidoptera; Eucosmidae)
The leaf-webber is a regular pest of pigeon pea in the Punjab State. Besides pigeon
pea, it also infests the sunhemp. Newly emerged larva is yellowish white with brown
head. Later on it turns to light brown and finally to dark brown. Moths are dusky
brown with forewing having four black dots and a silvery transverse mark.
Life cycle :
It appears on pigeon pea in July and remains active till December. Eggs are laid
singly on leaves. The oval creamy white eggs hatch in 3-6 days and the larval period
varies from 17-26 days. Pupation takes place in white silken covering within the
webbed leaves and lasts for 6-9 days. Hibernation in form of larval stage, takes place
from December to March on left over pigeon pea plants or webbed leaves attached to
harvested arhar sticks.
Damage :
The larvae feed on the tender shoots of the plant. They web the top 3 of 4 leaves
of terminal shoots to form a shelter in which they harbour, feed and pupate. In case of
severe infestation, the growth and development of the crop especially the flower
setting or pod formation is hindered (Photo 4.27).
Control :
Spray 700 g Sevin 50 WP (carbaryl) or 400 ml Hexasulfan (endosulfan) in 80-120
litres of water per acre at the time of 50 per cent flowering. Repeat the spray after
15 days.
MOONG
Moong Aphid
Aphis craccivora Koch
(Homoptera; Aphididae)
The details about its life cycle is given under groundnut aphid.
Damage :
The black aphid attacks the flowers and pods. It sucks plant sap resulting in
shrivelling of pods and grains (Photo 4.28).
Control :
Same as given under groundnut.
WHEAT
1. Termite
Microtermes obesi (Holmgr.)
(Isoptera; Termitidae)
Damage :
Termites damage wheat crop soon after sowing and near maturity. The damaged
plants dry up completely and are easily pulled out. The plants damaged at later stages
give rise to white ears which have no grains (Photo 4.29 a & b).
Control :
1. Treat the seed @ 4 ml Dursban/Ruban/Durmet 20 EC (Chlorpyriphos) or 7 ml
Thiodan 35 EC (Endosulfan) per kg seed. Dilute 160 ml of
Dursban/Ruban/Durmet/ or 280 ml Thiodan in one litre water and spray the
same on 40 kg seed spread as a thin layer on the pucca ground or polythene
sheet.
2. To the standing crop, apply 1 litre of Thiodan 35 EC with irrigation water or
dilute Thiodan 35 EC in 2 litres of water, mix it with 20 kg of sand and
broadcast in the infested field and irrigate afterwards.
2. ARMY WORM
Mythimna separate Haworth
(Lepidoptera; Noctuidae)
It is a sporadic pest of wheat, sugarcane, maize, jowar, bajra and other
graminaceous crops. The adult moths of this pest are pale brown. Freshly emerged
larvae are very active, dull white and later on turn green (Photo 4.30).
Life cycle :
During March, round and black eggs are laid which hatch in 4-11 days during
March-May and in 19 days during December-January. In spring, the larval stage is
completed in 13-14 days, but in winter it is prolonged to 88-100 days. The pupal stage
is completed in 9 to 48 days.
Damage :
In the early stages, the young larvae feed on tender leaves in the central whorl
of the plant. As they grow, they begin to feed on older leaves and skeletonize them
totally. The grown up caterpillars throw out faecal pellets, which are quite prominent.
In case of severe attack whole leaves are consumed and field look as if grazed by
cattle. The pest may also eat away ears. Including the awns and developing trains.
Control :
Spray 350 ml Folithion/Sumithion 50 EC (fenitrothion) or 200 ml Nuvan 85 SL
(DDVP) or 1.2 litres of Diptrex 50 EC (trichlorphon) or 400 ml Ekalux 25 EC
(quinalphos) in 100 litres of water per acre.
It is a serious pest of cruciferous oilseeds like sarson, raya, toria, taramira and
vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, knoll-khol, etc. The nymphs and wingless adults
are pale-greenish, louse-like insects.
Life cycle :
This pest remains active in plains during November to March. It breeds
parthenogenetically and the females deliver 26 to 133 nymphs. The nymphs become
adult in 7-10 days. About 45 overlapping generations are completed in a year. The
winged forms are produced in autumn and spring which migrate/disperse to long
distances.
Damage :
Both the nymphs and adults suck cell sap from plants as a result of which the
leaves acquire a curly appearance, the flowers fail to form pods and whatever pods
develop they do not produce healthy seeds (Photo 4.31).
Control :
When plant infested by aphids reach 40-50% (observe 100 plants/acre), then spray
250-400 ml of Metasystox 25 EC (oxydemeton methyl) or Rogor 30 EC
(dimethoate) or Thiodan 35 EC (endosulfan) or Ekalux 25 EC (quinalphos) or
Anthio 25 EC (formothion) or Malathion 50 EC (malathion) or 375-600 ml
Dursban/Coroban 20 EC (Chlorpyriphos) or 60-100 ml Dimecron 85 SL
(phosphamidon) in 80-125 litres of spray fluid per acre depending upon the stage
of crop.
It is a regular pest of Brassica crops and peas. The adults are two-winged flies,
which have a greyish black back and yellowish speck near head. The newly hatched
larva is white whereas old larva becomes brown.
Life cycle :
This pest remains active from December to May and passes rest of the period in
the soil in the pupal stage. The adults emerge in December and lay small transparent
eggs singly in the leaf tissue. The incubation period is 2-3 days. The larval stage lasts
for 6 days in zig zag leaf tunnels. The life cycle is completed in 14 days. The pest has
several generations during its active period.
Damage :
The leaf-miner larvae feed on chlorophyll by maiing zig-zag mines into the
leaves and, this hinders photosynthesis (Photo 4.32).
Control :
Spray 350 ml of Metasystox 25 EC (oxydemeton methyl) or Rogor 30 EC
(dimethoate) or 100 ml of Dimecron 85 SL (Phosphamidon) in 100 litres water per
acre. Repeat at 15-20 days interval, if necessary.
The Bihar hairy caterpillar is a sporadic polyphagous insect. It attacks crop like
mustard, sesamum, mash, moong, linseed and some vegetables. Adult is brown-
colour. Larva is reddish yellow and its body remains covered with hairs.
Life cycle :
The adults emerge in March. The female lays 410 to 1250 light green spherical
eggs, in clusters on the underside of leaves. The eggs hatch in 8-13 days. The larvae
become full grown in 28 to 56 days. The pupation takes place in plant debris or in soil
for 7 to 14 days. The full life-cycle is completed in 42 to 84 days. There are three to
four generations in a year.
Damage :
After emergence, the young larvae feed gregariously on the green portion of
the leaf. Caterpillars eat leaves and soft portions of stems and branches. In the case of
severe infestation, the plants may be completely defoliated (Photo 4.33).
Control :
1. Use light traps for the destruction of moths.
2. Young larvae can be destroyed by plucking the infested leaves or by pulling
out the infested plants and bury them underground.
3. The grown up caterpillars can be destroyed by picking and putting them into
kerosenized water. If the population is high; then spray 500 ml of Thiodan 35
EC (endosulfan) or Ekalux 25 EC (quinalphos) or 200 ml of Nuvan 85 SL
(dichlorvos) in 100-200 litres of water per acre or by dusting 15 kg of 5%
Malathion/Diptrex dust per acre.