Chevella: Expert Advice on Pigeon Pea Nutrition and Pest Management

Chevella Mandal Agriculture Officer Dandem Vijayachandra has advised pigeon pea farmers to focus on balanced nutrient management, moisture conservation and timely crop protection to improve yields. Dry conditions can limit nutrient uptake and cause flowers to drop. According to the advice provided, farmers can spray potassium nitrate (13-0-45) at 1 kg per acre mixed in 200 litres of water. A boron 20% formulation at 1.5–2 grams per litre and Planofix at 0.5 ml per litre have also been suggested to support flower retention and pod formation. The report additionally recommends salicylic acid at 100 ppm to help plants cope with moisture stress and changing weather. Farmers should follow product labels and seek guidance from local agriculture officers before preparing or applying sprays.

For integrated pest management, the report recommends neem-based azadirachtin at 0.03% and installing 10–15 bird perches per acre to attract birds that feed on crop pests. It identifies gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) and Maruca vitrata as important pests during flowering and pod formation. Signs of infestation include damage to flowers, buds and pods, holes in pods, and flowers or young pods webbed together. The report lists emamectin benzoate 5% SG or chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC for gram pod borer management, and indoxacarb 15.8% SC or spinosad 45% SC for Maruca, with the choice depending on pest intensity. Farmers should verify approved uses, doses, waiting periods and safety precautions with agricultural experts and product labels before spraying.