A pest infestation of potato fields in Khonoma village recently. The Department of Agriculture identified the caterpillar as ‘semi-looper’ (Inset) belonging to the family Noctuidae. While infestation has been contained to some extent, department official is worried about the second cycle of attack. (Morung File / Handout Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | May 27
Even as the agri and allied agencies are making all efforts to control the ‘semi-looper leaf eating caterpillar’ ravaging the potato fields in Khonoma and other villages, there is fear of a “second cycle of attack in a week or so.”
Following the report on pest infestation of potato fields in Khonoma village, the Department of Agriculture has swung into action and identified the caterpillar as ‘semi-looper’ belonging to the family Noctuidae.
When contacted, DDAO, Kekhrieletuo Yhome said infestation has been contained to the economic threshold level though not 100% controlled yet.
However, he was worried about the second cycle of attack stating “after a week's time, probably, the second cycle attack will come, which is a worrisome factor for all of us because this particular caterpillar eats everything. It doesn’t confine to one particular crop.”
Yhome maintained that the application of neem normally doesn’t kill the pests, but discourages the caterpillars to move away from the plants/fields to alternate hosts like miaze, beans, cabbage etc.
Following the viral video of a farmer applying mixture of ‘lifebuoy soap and water solution’ which was claimed to have the potential to kill pests, he stated the use of detergent kills various kinds of pests.
He however, informed that this solution cannot kill the ‘semi-looper leaf eating caterpillar’ but can kill the ‘fall army worm’. The application of neem oil and detergent kills the young pests immediately, and takes about 12 hours for the matured ones to die, said Yhome. He added that this is the best solution for maize infested by fall army worm.
Yhome advised that one has to be careful with the dosage as the detergent can adversely affect the growth of the plant or can even kill delicate plants. He further advised farmers to opt for mild detergents like the liquid washing agent ‘pril.’
