Gram Pod Borer Pest in Soybean crop

Measures to Control Gram Pod Borer Pest in Soybean crop

The gram pod borer, also known as the cotton bollworm or corn earworm, is a moth species that is a major pest of many crops, including gram (chickpea). The adult moth is light brown or gray with a wingspan of about 1-1.5 inches. The caterpillars are green or brown and can grow up to 2 inches long. They are the most damaging stage of the insect, as they bore into the pods of crops and feed on the seeds.

Gram Pod Borer Pest in Soybean crop

  • Type of Infestation: Pest
  • Common Name: Gram Pod Borer
  • Causal Organism: Helicoverpa armigera  
  • Affected Parts Of the plant: Leaf, Flower, Pod

Identification:

  • Eggs: Laid singly on all parts of the plant, including leaves, stems, flowers, and pods. About 0.4-0.5 mm in diameter.
  • Larvae: Initially greenish white, but can change color depending on their diet, ranging from green to brown. It Grows up to 40-48 mm long.
  • Pupae: Brown in color. Found in soil, leaf litter, or pods.
  • Adults: Forewings are light yellow in males and brown in females. Hindwings are pale smoky white with a broad blackish outer margin.

  • Environmental favorable factors for pests/Diseases:
    • Temperature: gram pod borer performs best at temperatures between 25°C and 32°C. This range promotes rapid development, egg-laying capacity.
    • Humidity: The gram pod borer prefers moderate humidity levels between 50% and 70%. This range facilitates egg laying, larval development, and adult activity.
     Symptoms of Pest/Disease:
    • Small holes in the pods
    • Frass (insect droppings) around the holes
    • Developing seeds that are damaged or destroyed
    • Stunted plant growth
    • Defoliation (loss of leaves)
    Measures to control Pests/Diseases:
    Products Technical Names Dosages
    EMA 5 Emamectin benzoate 5 % SG 80-100 grams per Acre
    k-Indox INDOXACARB 14.5% SC 200 ml per Acre
    Fantastic Chlorantranliprole 0.4% w/w GR 4-7.5 Kg/acre
    Spino 45 Spinosad 45 % sc 60-90 ml per Acre
    Neem Oil 400 to 600 ml / acre
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