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.
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Type of Infestation: Pest
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Common Name: Gram Pod Borer
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Causal Organism: Helicoverpa armigera
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Affected Parts Of the plant: Leaf, Flower, Pod
Identification:
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Eggs: Laid singly on all parts of the plant, including leaves, stems, flowers, and pods. About 0.4-0.5 mm in diameter.
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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.
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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:
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Temperature: gram pod borer performs best at temperatures between 25°C and 32°C. This range promotes rapid development, egg-laying capacity.
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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 |
