Economic threshold levels for Bengal gram: gram caterpillar (Helicoverpa) – 2 early-stage larvae per plant, or 5–8 eggs per plant; aphids – 20 per 2.5 cm shoot length.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Bengalgram – Crop protection, ETL, p. 164
Region
Tamil Nadu
Last updated
2026-11-04
Gram caterpillar: non-chemical and biological measures
Set up pheromone traps for Helicoverpa armigera at 12 per hectare and bird perches at 50 per hectare. Collect grown-up larvae and blister beetles by hand. Spray HaNPV at 3 x 10^12 POB per hectare in 0.1% teepol, or Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki 5% WP at 1000–1250 g per hectare, while the larvae are young (up to the third instar).
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Bengalgram – Gram caterpillar management, p. 164
Region
Tamil Nadu
Last updated
2026-11-04
Wilt and root rot
Apply Pseudomonas fluorescens (or Trichoderma asperellum for root rot) at 2.5 kg/ha with 50 kg of well-decomposed FYM or sand to the soil.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Bengalgram – Disease management (Wilt, root rot), p. 165
Region
Tamil Nadu
Last updated
2026-11-04
Chemical pesticides: ask before you spray
The source lists many insecticides for aphids and gram caterpillar, and fungicides for root rot. Many are hazardous, and some may be restricted. Choose a product only with your local Agriculture Officer, and spray only after the pest crosses the threshold level.
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)), Bengalgram – Pest & disease management, pp. 164–165
