Explore the major pests affecting pigeon pea crops, their identification, and effective agricultural management practices. Perfect for growers and enthusiasts aiming to recognize and combat key threats to production.
Which insect is commonly recognized as the major pod borer damaging pigeon pea crops by boring holes into developing seeds?
Explanation: Helicoverpa armigera is the main pod borer in pigeon pea, causing direct damage by feeding inside pods. Aphis craccivora is an aphid and primarily transmits viruses. Callosobruchus chinensis damages stored grains, not field pods. Maruca vitrata is a webworm, usually feeding on flowers and young pods but not the main pod borer.
During early plant growth, which pest is most likely to cause significant sap-sucking damage to pigeon pea seedlings?
Explanation: Aphis craccivora, or the cowpea aphid, commonly attacks young pigeon pea by sucking sap, stunting plant growth. Spodoptera litura is a leaf-eating caterpillar, not a sap-sucker. Helicoverpa armigera mainly attacks pods. Tetranychus urticae is a mite, not a major pigeon pea pest.
If you observe webbing and skeletonized flowers on a pigeon pea plant, which pest is the most likely culprit?
Explanation: Maruca vitrata, or the spotted pod borer, weaves webs on flowers and feeds inside buds and flowers. Cydia ptychora is a pod fly, not known for webbing. Aphis craccivora does not cause webbing but sucks sap. Rhynchites cribripennis is a weevil, mainly feeding on pods rather than flowers.
After harvest, which insect poses a risk to stored pigeon pea grains by boring holes and causing significant losses?
Explanation: Callosobruchus chinensis, the pulse beetle, infests stored pigeon pea seeds, leading to weight and quality loss. Earias vittella is a field pest in okra and cotton. Helicoverpa armigera mainly attacks crops in the field. Etiella zinckenella, a pod borer, rarely affects stored seeds.
What is an important cultural practice to minimize pod borer infestations in pigeon pea cropping systems?
Explanation: Synchronizing sowing helps avoid peak pest populations and reduces the extent of damage. Increasing nitrogen may raise susceptibility to pests. Daily irrigation is unnecessary for pest control and could promote disease. Using larger seed size does not directly affect pod borer infestation.