Fruit Borer Threatens 120 Rabi Crops: Farmers Advised Cheap, Indigenous Controls

• Helicoverpa armigera, or fruit borer caterpillar, is rapidly damaging Rabi crops like chickpeas, lentils, and tomatoes in districts including Sagar, Madhya Pradesh.
• This pest is highly destructive, attacking around 120 crops, with a female laying up to 250 eggs in 24 hours and a life cycle of about 30 days.
• Government experts recommend controlling the pest in its early larval stage using HANPV virus spray, which can also be prepared by farmers from dead caterpillars.
• For adult pests, pheromone traps (5-6 per acre, costing 60-100 rupees each) are effective in attracting and eliminating male pests, preventing population growth.
• Neem oil is a cheap, indigenous, and environmentally safe remedy that paralyzes and kills caterpillars, making it effective for increased infestations.