The Hindu Business Line : Icrisat develops cure for bollworm attack

Hyderabad, Aug. 22 Scientists at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (Icrisat) have developed a solution for one of the most difficult problems the cotton farmers faced.

Helicoverpa armigera, the scientific name for the cotton bollworm or legume pod borer, causes a loss of Rs 2,000 crore to the cotton farmers globally.

Pushed to the wall, farmers in countries like India and Nepal were known to shake the plants to ward off the larvae.

Icrisat scientists have developed nucleo polyhedrosis virus (NPV) from the larvae, which proved to be a powerful means to kill the bollworms. The scientists fed the larvae with the NPV-infected diet.

“The larvae die due to infection. The NPV bio-pesticide is extracted from the dead larvae can be sprayed on crops to manage the bollworm attack,” said Dr William Dar, Director-General of Icrisat.

The pesticide helped farmers in 96 villages in India and Nepal reduce chemical pesticide spray by 65 per cent in cotton and 24 per cent in pigeonpea.

While helping in cutting costs, the bio-pesticide also proved to be an environment-friendly tool.

More Stories on : Pests | Cotton | Modernisation

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
‘Aerobic method to raise paddy can provide benefits’

Icrisat develops cure for bollworm attack

Karnataka plans dredging of fisheries harbours

Areca growers seek Govt help for crop loss

Spot rubber prices turn weak

Tea shipments begin from Amingaon inland depot

Higher volumes on offer at Coonoor tea auctions

JK Agri’s new Bt cotton version likely by 2010

Healthy options

Pepper futures continue to decline

Small retailers organise dry fruit festival to counter malls

AP Cabinet clears way for sugar cos revamp