Pearl millet — 6Pests & diseases

• Shoot fly and ear midge: non-chemical measures

  Plough soon after harvest and remove and destroy the stubble. Set up low-cost fish meal traps at 12 per hectare until the crop is 30 days old. Neem seed kernel extract 5% is listed as a spray option. In shoot fly–endemic areas, use a higher seed rate and remove shoot fly–damaged seedlings at thinning.

  Pending expert review

  Source

  Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cumbu – Pest management, p. 88

  Region

  Tamil Nadu

  Last updated

  2026-11-04

• Chemical pesticides: ask before you spray

  The source lists insecticides for nursery pests, shoot fly and ear midge. Many are hazardous, and some may be restricted. Choose a product only with your local Agriculture Officer.

  Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use.

  Pending expert review

  Source

  Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cumbu – Crop protection, pp. 87–88

  Region

  Tamil Nadu

  Last updated

  2026-11-04