Integrated pest management in pulse crops in Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh

Pulses are the primary source of protein and fibre in human diet and also maintain the soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation in soil and thus, play a vital role in maintaining sustainable agriculture. To assess the economic feasibility of available technology and adoption of IPM in pigeonpea, gram and fieldpea, 60 demonstrations were conducted. IPM package in pigeonpea reduced wilt incidence from 6.3 to 5.3 per cent, number of pod borer larvae 1.6 to 0.9 per plant and grain damage by pod fly from 21.6 to 13.4 per cent which ultimately increased the yield from 790 kg/ha to 980 kg/ha and B:C ratio from 3.95 to 4.35 in comparison to farmer practice. IPM package in gram reduced the wilt incidence from 10.45 to 4.05 per cent and number of pod borer larvae from 1.11 to 0.58 per plant. Due to reduced incidence of disease and insect, the yield of gram increased from 925 to 1099.5 kg/ha (18.8%) and B:C ratio from 3.86 to 4.12. IPM package in field pea showed negligible incidence of diseases and number of pod borer larvae reduced from 0.18 to 0.12 per plant. Due to use of IPM package, pea yield increased from 1400 to 1575 kg/ha (12.5%) and B:C ratio from 5.19 to 5.72. Technology gaps for pigeonpea, gram and pea were 320, 400.5 and 425 kg/ha whereas the extension gaps were 190, 174.5 and 175 kg/ha, respectively in comparison to the potential yield of pulses under IPM package.