Demonstration of IPDM Module for the Management of Major Defoliating Insect Pests and Wilt Disease of Chickpea in Prakasam District Andhra Pradesh

Background: A front line demonstration (FLD) on integrated pest and disease management for management of major defoliating insect pests and wilt diseases in chickpea was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Darsi, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh during 2020-21 and 2021-22. Methods: The field trials were conducted in Bhodanampadu and Abbayapalem villages of Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh in an area of 4 hectares in 10 farmer’s fields during 2020-21 and 2021-22. Result: The results revealed that mean larval population of H. armigera and S. exigua/ 10 plants of two years were 1.4 and 1.87 in IPDM module over 8.23 and 4.12 larval population/10 plants during 2020-21 and 2021-22 respectively in farmers practice. Mean wilt disease incidence of two years were 7.5 per cent in IPDM module over 18 per cent in farmers practice. IPDM plot gave an average yield of 13.78 q/ha as compared to farmer’s practices i.e 11.25 q/ha. The per cent increase in yield over control was 16.8 and 31.4 during 2020-21 and 2021-22, respectively. The net returns were Rs. 44568, Rs. 24061 and Rs. 35675, Rs. 10875 in IPDM plot and farmers practice plot during 2020-21 and 2021-22 respectively. The average cost benefit ratio was 1:2.23 and 1:1.87 in IPDM and farmers practice plot, respectively.