Developing trellis system for efficient pest control in bitter gourd under coastal Ago-ecosystem of Orissa

Developing trellis system for efficient pest control in bitter gourd under coastal Ago-ecosystem of Orissa

2007

A:PS

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) suffers heavily from pumpkin caterpillar (Diaphania indica). Experiments were carried out to develop suitable trellis system to minimize pest, disease and drudgery in bitter gourd cultivation. Two row spacing of 1.2 m and 1.5 m and three different trailing systems were laid out in two factor randomized block design with a plant spacing of 1.5 m and evaluated for two years in participatory mode at three locations in split plot design. Fruit loss in terms of number and weight during both the years due to fruit borer and fruit fly infestation were significantly higher in bower system followed by double line and lowest in single line trellis system. The population offruit borer and intensity of downy mildew infection were significantly higher in covered pandal followed by double line and lowest in single line trellis system. Due to ease in manual irrigation, fertilizer application, pesticide application, pest monitoring and weeding; drudgery was reduced and efficiency increased in single line .trellis system consisting of wooden pole and four layers of wire fastened in vertical manner. Greater benefit was realized in terms of pesticide application as the target area could be fully accessed with least body exposure of the worker to pesticide drift. Cost of trellis in single line system was also less as against the farmers' practice of bower system.

v.34(2):140-144, VEGETABLE SCIENCE

Research > Published Articles