Army worms are wreaking havoc in paddy fields in the district. Over 310 acres of paddy fields of Thoppilkalam Padasekharam of Pazhayannur block have been infested with swarming caterpillars.
According to a diagnostic survey conducted by an expert team from Kerala Agricultural University, around 60 acres of newly sown paddy fields and 247 acres of paddy fields ready for cultivation have been invaded by army worms, completely destroying the germinated seedlings in some plots and partially in other fields.
Caterpillars of the army worm were seen hiding under soil clods and in cracks and crevices along the bunds of rice fields during bright sunny hours. They were also seen on the graminaceous weeds along roadside. Army worms were seen migrating from one field to another in groups by crossing the roads, thereby invading extensive field areas.
Severe infestation
Farmers said the fields were completely destroyed overnight. The infestation is so severe that nearly 80 caterpillars were seen in one square metre. They suggested the following measures to manage army worm: In the affected nurseries and newly sown fields, away from homesteads, spray application of Quinolphos 25 EC @ 2 ml per litre of water.
In the fields yet to be sown and also around homesteads, spraying/drenching with the quick knock down insecticide, Dichlorvos 76 EC @ 1 ml per litre of water or Lamda Cyhalothrein 5 EC @ 0.6 ml per litre of water will be effective.
In the fields where the infestation of army worms has just started, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-based biopesticide @ 2 ml/g per litre of water can also be applied. Erecting bird perches (coconut petioles) in the affected fields @ 20-25 perches per acre will help in predation of the pest by the birds.
Spray application should be done either during late evening hours or early morning hours.
The management measures should be taken up immediately on noticing the infestation.
