Hyderabad: ICT brings in new tech to save Corn from army worms

Hyderabad: Using insect sex pheromone lure technology, CSIR-IICT has identified a new method to deal with the fall army worms which damage corn crops in Telangana state.

Corn is one of the prominent produce in Telangana state and there are 140 mandals in 15 districts that grow the crop. It is estimated that 45,000 acres of cultivated land is growing this crop. The department of agriculture along with the research scientists have decided to implement pheromone application to mass trap the fall army worm.

The installation of pheromone traps are to be done on a wooden or bamboo stick after the sowing of seeds. The lures are to be added later which are highly biodegradable, free of contamination and also environmentally safe.

Dr S. Chandrasekar, director of IICT, said, “The technology is highly specific to target pests and leaves beneficiary insects alive. It is found to reduce pesticide application and will go a long way in improving health conditions of farmers as well as the crops. The initial trials have also shown an increase in the quality of the produce.”