The infestation of painted bugs and sawflies has come to light in the early stage of the mustard crop in Sawai Madhopur district. Agriculture Department officials have inspected the fields and advised farmers on pest control measures.
The major oilseed crop in the district has been sown in an area of 1 lakh 70 thousand hectares. Joint Director of the Agriculture Department, Lakhpat Lal Meena, stated that the infestation of these two pests in the early stage of the crop can be harmful.
Pests damaging the crop
The infestation of painted bugs starts immediately after germination, while the infestation of sawflies appears 7 to 10 days after germination. The painted bug is black in color with red and yellow marks on its body, and it sucks the sap of plants.
The larvae of the sawfly are green or gray in color, which chew the leaves leaving only stalks and veins. Without timely control, plant growth and production are affected.
Useful information for you: Pest control measures
- Use certified seeds and sow only after recommended seed treatment.
- Monitor the crop regularly and remain specially vigilant for the first 25-30 days.
- For the control of painted bugs, dust Quinalphos 1.5% dust at the rate of 6 kg per bigha.
- In case of heavy infestation of painted bugs, spray Imidacloprid 17.8 SL mixed at the rate of 0.3 ml per liter of water.
- In case of heavy infestation of sawflies, spray Malathion 50 EC mixed at the rate of 1 ml per liter of water.