Management Strategies for Defoliators in Castor Crop
Senthil Kumar, M
Horticultural Research Station, TNAU, Yercaud, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India.
Jaya Prabhavathi, S
Tapioca and Castor Research Station, TNAU, Yethapur, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India.
Senthil Kumar, P *
Regional Research Station, TNAU, Paiyur, Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, India.
Deivamani, M
ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, TNAU, Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu, India.
Venkatachalam, S.R
Tapioca and Castor Research Station, TNAU, Yethapur, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India.
Arutchenthil, P
Tapioca and Castor Research Station, TNAU, Yethapur, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India.
Malathi, S
TNAU Information and Training Centre, Tamil Nadu, India.
Sivakumar, B
Forest College and Research Institute, TNAU, Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study aims to identify effective IPM practices for controlling castor defoliators due to their significant potential to reduce castor bean yields. Defoliation caused by castor defoliators in their larval stage results in a decrease in productivity. This research focuses on implementing green and sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies that combine biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical control methods to reduce pest damage effectively. The identified main strategies include the utilization of natural enemies and parasitoids, changing the habitat, crop rotation, and the selective use of insecticides. The outcomes reveal that an integrated approach not only suppresses defoliator abundance but also improves castor crop resistance while maintaining a balance between yield and environment. These integrated pest management (IPM) practices provide suitable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly methods for castor farmers aiming to control defoliators.
Keywords: Castor, defoliators, spodoptera, hairy caterpillars, semilooper, IPM