Chickpea (gram) is one of the most important pulse crops, but its productivity is often affected by insect pests. Among these, cutworm during early crop stages and pod borer during pod formation and maturity are the most destructive pests. If not managed properly, they can cause serious economic losses.
While managing insect pests in chickpea, it is important to remember that complete eradication is neither possible nor necessary. The goal of pest management is to keep the pest population below the economic threshold level (ETL) so that crop yield is not significantly affected.
To manage these pests effectively, we must first understand their nature, damage symptoms, and appropriate control measures.
Major Insect Pests of Chickpea Crop
The major insect pests attacking chickpea include:
- Cutworm (Agrotis spp.) – attacks seedlings during early crop growth
- Pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) – damages flowers and pods during reproductive stages
This article mainly focuses on cutworm management in chickpea.
Gram Cutworm (Agrotis spp.)
Cutworm is a serious soil-borne pest of chickpea. The caterpillar (larval) stage causes damage by cutting young seedlings at the base. These larvae remain hidden in the soil or crop residues during the daytime and become active at night.
Nature of Damage by Cutworm in Chickpea
- Larvae cut the stem of young seedlings a few centimeters above ground level
- Damaged plants wilt and die suddenly
- Attack usually occurs soon after crop emergence
- Severe infestation may result in patchy gaps in the field
Symptoms of Cutworm Attack in Chickpea
- Seedlings cut at ground level or slightly above
- Missing plants in rows
- Freshly cut plants lying on the soil surface
- Presence of caterpillars in the soil near damaged plants
To confirm infestation, stir the soil around affected plants up to 2.5 cm depth. The larvae can often be found hiding in the soil.
In cases of severe infestation, resowing of the affected field may be required.
Integrated Management of Cutworm in Chickpea
Effective management of cutworm requires an integrated pest management (IPM) approach involving cultural, chemical, and biological methods.
1. Cultural Control Measures
- Deep summer ploughing exposes pupae to high temperatures, killing them naturally
- Clean cultivation and removal of crop debris reduce larval hiding places
- Avoid continuous chickpea cultivation in the same field
2. Seed Treatment (Preventive Measure)
Seed treatment is one of the most effective ways to reduce early crop loss.
- Treat seeds with Chlorpyriphos 20 EC @ 1 litre per 100 kg of seed
This significantly reduces seedling damage and prevents economic loss.
3. Soil Application / Dusting
If the field was severely infested in the previous season:
- Dust Quinalphos 1.5% DP @ 23.33 kg/ha
- Apply before the last harrowing to ensure proper mixing with soil
4. Mechanical and Trap Method
- Spread trash or crop residues in rows or patches
- Cutworm larvae hide under these materials during the daytime
- Collect and destroy larvae manually or spray insecticide on these spots
This method is cost-effective and eco-friendly for small infestations.
5. Biological Control
- Release the larval parasitoid Cotesia vanessae if available
- This parasitoid lays eggs inside cutworm larvae, eventually killing them
- It contains only females and is safe for the environment
6. Need-Based and Targeted Spraying
- Apply control measures only when damage exceeds ETL
- Avoid whole-field spraying
- Spray only the infested area and a buffer zone of about 30 feet around it
Unnecessary spraying wastes money and harms beneficial insects.
Important Precautions
- Do not confuse cutworm with click beetle larvae or flying maggots
- Monitor fields regularly during early crop stages
- Prefer integrated methods over sole chemical control
Conclusion
Cutworm is a major early-stage pest of chickpea, but timely identification and integrated management can effectively minimize crop loss. By combining cultural practices, seed treatment, biological control, and need-based chemical application, farmers can manage cutworm populations below economic threshold levels and protect chickpea yield sustainably.