Pod Borer (Helicoverpa armigera)

This is widely distributed and is the most injurious pest of early and medium maturing varieties. The larvae, after hatching, feed on tender leaves and twigs but at pod formation they puncture pods and feed on developing grains. The caterpillars are green with dark brown, grey lines along the sides of the body.

Control Measures

• The caterpillar should be picked by hand after shaking the plants and destroyed in the early stages of attack.
• Spray the crop with 1.5 litre Endosulfan 35 EC or Monocrotophos (Nuvacron) 36 SL @ 0.75kg per hectare.