Strategies for pest management in sorghum in India

Incidence and damage by key pests, sorghum shootfly, Atherigona soccata Rondani; stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe); grain midge, Contarinia sorghicola Coquillett and head bug, Calocoris angustatus Lethiery, varies in time and space and is reflected in low grain yields with avoidable losses ranging from 12 to 83 per cent. While discussing different pest control strategies,a feasible management approach based on adjustment in sowing dates, growing of resistant varieties, judicious use of insecticides and use of potential natural enemies can be recommended against these key pests. Sowing of promising cultivars P 311, E601, CSV-4, CSV-7, CSV-8 and CSH-9 immediately after the onset of monsoon, burning the stubbles, trash, threshed heads soon after harvest and consuming harvested stalks before the growing season effectively reduce the population build up of key pests of sorghum.