Agriculture Advisory for Indian Farmers from Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
04 May 2025, New Delhi: Fruit borer infestation is a serious challenge faced by farmers cultivating crops like tomato, brinjal, and peas, particularly during the warmer months. The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has issued a comprehensive advisory outlining an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to effectively monitor and control fruit borers without excessive reliance on chemical pesticides. Timely intervention using a combination of preventive and curative practices can significantly reduce crop damage and improve yields.
One of the simplest and most eco-friendly methods recommended is the installation of bird perches in crop fields. Birds, being natural predators of caterpillars and other harmful insects, can play an effective role in keeping pest populations under control. By placing wooden or bamboo poles across the field at regular intervals, farmers can encourage predatory birds to visit their fields and feed on the pests.
Handpicking is another effective strategy at the early stage of infestation. Damaged fruits and infected parts of the plant should be carefully removed and buried in deep soil away from the field to stop the life cycle of the pests. This practice is especially helpful when pest populations are just beginning to build up.
To monitor pest presence, IARI advises the installation of pheromone traps at a rate of 2 to 3 traps per acre. These traps attract male moths, reducing the chances of mating and subsequent egg-laying. More importantly, they help farmers assess whether the pest population has reached the economic threshold level (ETL) and decide if further control measures are needed.
If pest incidence increases, a biological control approach is the first line of defense. Spraying Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) at the concentration of 1 gram per litre of water is recommended. Bt is a naturally occurring bacterium that specifically targets caterpillars without harming beneficial insects, animals, or humans. This spray should be done preferably in the early morning or evening hours for maximum effectiveness.
If the fruit borer population remains above ETL even after 15 days of Bt application, farmers may consider chemical control. Spraying Spinosad 48 EC at the rate of 1 ml per 4 litres of water is advised, again during the cooler parts of the day. Spinosad is a biological insecticide derived from naturally occurring soil bacteria and is known for its effectiveness with minimal impact on beneficial organisms when used judiciously.
By adopting these IPM strategies, farmers can reduce their dependence on broad-spectrum chemical pesticides, minimize crop loss, and produce cleaner, safer food for consumers. The success of such an approach lies in regular field monitoring, timely action, and maintaining ecological balance in the cropping system.
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