As per the survey conducted by the scientists of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, pigeonpea (arhar) crop is at flower initiation/flowering stage and at some places, even the podding has initiated. The farmers are advised to remain alert for any incidence of pod borers and diseases at this stage of the crop. For this, the farmers are advised to monitor their crop regularly for occurrence of any such pest or disease attack.

At flowering or podding stages, the crop is generally attacked by pod borers, especially spotted pod borer (Maruca vitrata) and gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera). Maruca vitrata appears at the initiation of flowering. Full grown larva has a pale body lined by rows of conspicuous black spots on its dorsal surface. Larvae of pod borer damage the flower buds, flowers and green pods. The larvae feed from inside a webbed mass of leaves, flowers, flower buds and pods webbed together with silken threads. Upon seeing such symptoms in their field, the farmers are advised to spray the crop at flower initiation stage using indoxacarb 14.5 SC @ 200 ml or spinosad 45 SC @ 60 ml per acre using 100-125 litres of water per acre with manually operated knapsack sprayer. Repeat the spray at pod initiation/podding stage of the crop. The insecticides used for the management of spotted pod borer also control other pod borers infesting pigeonpea. It is advised to spray the crop during evening as the population of honey bees and other pollinators is minimum at that time.

The crop is also attacked by Phytophthora stem blight which is caused by a fungus. The symptoms can be observed on stem and branches of the crop. Brown to black coloured necrotic lesions are produced which later extend to the whole of the stem and further to the branches. The white fungal mycelial powder can also be seen on these lesions. Such plants dry up and die. To manage this disease, do not allow water to stagnate in the fields. Affected plants showing the lesions of disease should be uprooted immediately.

Phytophthora stem blight

Spotted pod borer (Maruca vitrata)

Attack of Maruca vitrata