Chamba KVK issues advisory to protect maize crop
To safeguard maize crops from the growing threat of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) infestation, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Chamba, has issued an advisory for farmers across the district. The pest, if not managed in time, can cause substantial damage to maize fields by feeding on plant leaves and leaving behind distinctive signs such as irregular holes and excessive excreta.
Dr Dharmendra Kumar, senior scientist and in-charge of Chamba KVK, stated that the larval stage of the fall armyworm poses the greatest threat. Farmers can identify early infestation through symptoms like round or rectangular holes in maize leaves. The pest’s eggs are covered in hair and are grey-brown in colour, making them visible and relatively easy to identify.
To support effective pest management, a district-level task force has also been constituted. The task force includes Dr Dharmendra Kumar from Chamba KVK, Dr Bhupender Singh, Chamba Agriculture Deputy Director, Dr Jaya Chaudhary, scientist at KVK, and subject matter specialists from the Department of Agriculture. The team is actively visiting affected areas across the district and guiding farmers on appropriate control measures.
As per the advisory, specific insecticides such as chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC (coragen) at 0.4 ml per litre, spinetoram 11.7 SC (delegate) at 0.5 ml per litre and emamectin benzoate 5 SG (missile) at 0.4 gm per litre can be used for controlling the pest. For crops up to 20 days old, 120 litres of spray solution per acre is recommended, while for older crops, 200 litres per acre should be used.
In terms of agronomic practices, farmers are advised to sow maize strictly within the recommended timeframe and follow line sowing instead of broadcasting. Regular monitoring of fields is essential to detect and destroy egg masses manually, which are often clustered and hair-covered.
For crops older than 40 days, where foliar spraying becomes difficult, a mixture of insecticide or bio-pesticide can be applied at the root zone. Farmers can mix 5 ml of any of the recommended insecticides in 10 ml water and blend it thoroughly with 1 kg of soil. This mixture should then be applied near the roots of the infested plants.
Additionally, 25 gm or 25 ml of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) subspecies kurstaki — available under brand names like Delfin WG or Dipel 8L — can also be used. The Bt should be mixed in 10 ml of water with 1 kg of soil and applied around the plant roots as a biological control measure.
The advisory underscores the importance of timely action, accurate identification and coordinated field-level response to mitigate the impact of fall armyworm and protect maize productivity in the region.
Himachal Tribune