Agriculture Department active as attack of loopers increases in castor crops in Kheralu

According to a report by Sandesh, an infestation of loopers has been observed in castor crops in Kheralu and surrounding talukas. This year, castor was sown on a large scale in Kheralu taluka, and due to early sowing in the district, the menace of this pest has increased. These loopers become more active in hot and humid weather.

This pest consumes the tender leaves and the green parts of the castor plant except for the veins, causing the plants to become leafless and appear like skeletons. If the infestation increases further, the stems of the castor plant are also damaged, which can ultimately have an adverse effect on production.

According to a press release by the Assistant Director of Agriculture, Sub-division, Kheralu, for control, it has been recommended that farmers install 40 perches for birds in the field, spread one kg of puffed rice or cooked rice per acre, and set up light traps to attract the pests. As a chemical remedy, it has been advised to use a mixture of 30 to 40 ml of Chlorpyrifos 20 EC with Cypermethrin 5 EC or Profenofos 40 EC with Cypermethrin 4 EC in 20 litres of water.

Castor (Ricinus communis) was a perennial flowering plant of the Euphorbiaceae family, known as its sole species and subtribe.