Maize Army Worm : American Army Worm on Maize in Nashik
Nashik News: In the year 2019, American army worm infestation was seen in 90 percent of the area in the district. After that the prevalence was low for three years. But due to lack of rain this year, the crops have come under stress. Similarly, the problem of American armyworm has reared its head all over the district in the maize growing belt. Due to this, the problems of farmers have increased.
Due to increase in seed prices and increase in crop protection costs, farmers have come to Metakuti. Crops are failing due to lack of rain. But in such a situation, this outbreak is increasing. In the district, this outbreak has increased in 10 talukas namely Deola, Satana, Kalwan, Malegaon, Dindori, Yewala, Chandwad, Nandgaon, Niphad.
“The increased cost of crop protection for the maize crop is unaffordable. “The growth of maize has been stunted due to lack of rain ,” said Madhukar More, an experimental farmer in Morenagar (Satana).
As soon as infestation appears, spray insecticides as recommended. Pest surveys should be conducted using odor traps. The use of a friendly insecticide such as Biveria bassiana may be beneficial at present as humidity is high.
K suggested that there should be a ‘coverage’ where the pesticide solution goes into the bag. K. Tushar Ugle, Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology, Wagh Agricultural College. Care should be taken that animals do not go to maize fodder fields that have been sprayed with insecticides.
Symptoms of damage are:
– White spots by eating the young leaves
– Appearance of worm feces in ponga
– Damage to plants due to infestation
Maize Cultivation by Taluka (Hectares):
Taluka…Average Area…Direct Sown…Percentage
Malegaon…38,850…42,011…108.14
Baglan…34,733…46,288…133.27
Kalwan…17,404…16,180…92.97
Devla…15,943…19,340…121.31
Nandgaon…29,589…31,071…105.01
Surgana…5.06…0…0
Nashik…1,370.54…793…57.86
Trimbakeshwar…11…6.3…57.27
Dindori…280…191…68.21
Igatpuri…282.2…11…4.82
Peth…0…0…0
Niphad…12,582.56…7,253…57.64
Sinner…11,266.96…6,565.5…58.27
Yevla…35,119…41,368…117.79
Chandwad…19,725.75…16,451.6…83.4
Total…2,17,108.07…2,27,529.4…104.8
As the armyworm infests the maize, the yield will be greatly reduced. Due to this, the farmers are suffering huge losses. Agriculture department should take measures on war level.- Gajanan Salve, Maize Grower, Tahrabad, Tel. Satan.
The prevalence of armyworm is increasing. Pesticides available through the Department of Agriculture have not yet been received.- Jaideep Bhadane, Farmer, Cotton, Td. The temple
