On farm trials on management of pod borer complex in green gram

Pulses productivity in Rajasthan is lesser than the national average due to the poor management of the crop. Green gram, an important pulse crop, is attacked by different pod borer species like gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera, spotted pod borer, Maruca testulalis and M. vitrata, spiny pod borer, Etiella zinckenella, etc. Pod borers directly feed on the pods and seeds causing appreciable deterioration in grain quality and quantity. Pod borer complex is a major constraint to increase production of green gram therefore the on farm trial (OFT) were undertaken by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lunkaransar of Bikaner for two consecutive years 2019 and 2020. The results on the management of pod borer complex in green gram indicated that maximum per cent reduction in larval population of pod borers was observed in 79.25 and 82.69 per cent in kharif 2019 and 2020, respectively, in recommended spray (emamectin benzoate 5 SG 0.5 gm per litre water). The maximum benefit cost ratio of 2.77 and 4.00 were obtained in the recommended practices, while it was minimum 1.66 and 2.63 in farmers practice (quinalphos 25 EC @ 1.25 l ha⁻¹) during kharif 2019 and 2020.