Introduction

Castor is a oilseed crop.There are many pests damaging the castor crop.Effective management of pest is essential to ensure optimal production of the crop.

Pests of Castor

Capsule and Shoot borer :

Scientific name: Dichocrocis punctiferali

Damage : 

Caterpillar bores into the main stem and capsules.

Borer is distributed throughout India where castor is grown.

Management:

Collect and destroy damaged ones.

Crops rotation.

Grow resistant variety.

Spray endosulfan 35EC 2.0L or Carbaryl 50WP 2kg or methyl parathion 50EC 2.0L @1000 -1200L water per hectare.

Castor semilooper:

Scientific name:Achara janata

Damage :

The caterpillars feed on castor leaves.

Feeding from the edges inwards,leave behind only the midrib and stalk.

Management:

Dusting the infested crop with 2% parathion dust @20-25 kg/ha.

Spray endosulfan 35EC 2.0L or Carbaryl 50%WP 2kg in 1000-1200L water/ha. 

Conserve braconid parasitiod Microplitis ophiusae since it keeps the pest under check. 

Castor butterfly/Spiny caterpillar:

Scientific name:Ergolis merione

Damage : 

Sporadic pest.

Insect attacks the crop at an early stage. 

Insects feed on the leaf tissues and cause defoliation.

Management: 

Collect and destroy the infected ones.

Dust the infested crop with parathion 2D @20-25kg per ha or Malathion 5D 25-30 kg/ha or Carbaryl 10D @20kg/ha.

Wooly bear :

Scientific name:Pericallia ricini

Damage :

The damage is caused by caterpillar.

It feeds on leaves resulting in defoliation.

Management:

Collect and destroy the caterpillars. 

Dust the infested crop with parathion 2D @20-25kg per ha or Malathion 5D 25-30kg/ha.

Spray endosulfan 35EC 2.0L or Carbaryl 50WP 2kg in 100-1200L water per ha. 

Hairy caterpillar:

Scientific name:Euproctis fraterna

Damage :

Defoliation is the main symptom.

The pest is active throughout the year but it’s activity is reduced in winter.

Management:

Release larval parasitiods viz.,Helicospilus merdarius,Apanteles sp,Disophrys sp.

Dust the infested crop with parathion 2D @20-25kg per ha or Malathion 5D 25-30kg/ha or Carbaryl 10D @20kg/ha.

Conclusion

Minor pests : Leafhoppers, Whitefly,Thrips and Castor Gallfly. Conclusion: Integrated pest management methods like cultural, biological and chemical method is used to control the pests in Castor.Effective control of pest increase the yield and quality.

FaQs:

What are the common pests in Castor ?

How can I control the Capsule borer?

What is the best way to manage the Semilooper in Castor?

How can I identify the Castor butterfly infected plants?