Economic threshold levels (ETL) given for red gram: aphids – 20 per 2.5 cm shoot length; pod borers – 10% of pods affected; plume moth – 5 larvae per plant; spotted pod borer – 3 larvae per plant.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Redgram – Crop protection, ETL, p. 130
Region
Tamil Nadu
Last updated
2026-11-04
Pod borers: non-chemical measures
For pod borers, raise one row of sunflower as an intercrop for every 9 rows of pigeon pea and plant maize as a border crop. Set up pheromone traps for Helicoverpa armigera at 12 per hectare and bird perches at 50 per hectare, and mechanically collect grown-up larvae and blister beetles.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Redgram – Pest management strategies, p. 130
Region
Tamil Nadu
Last updated
2026-11-04
Pod borers: biological options
Biological options listed for pod borers, plume moth and pod fly include Helicoverpa NPV (HaNPV) at 3 x 10^12 POB per hectare in 0.1% teepol, and Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki 5% WP at 1000–1250 g per hectare. Sprays should be made when the larvae are up to the third instar (young larvae).
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Redgram – Pest management strategies, p. 130
Region
Tamil Nadu
Last updated
2026-11-04
Chemical insecticides: ask before you spray
The source lists several insecticides for aphids, pod borers, plume moth, pod fly and pod bugs. 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)), Redgram – Pest management strategies, pp. 130–131
Region
Tamil Nadu
Last updated
2026-11-04
Wilt (Fusarium udum)
Apply Pseudomonas fluorescens or Trichoderma asperellum at 2.5 kg per hectare, mixed with 50 kg of well-decomposed FYM or sand, to the soil at 30 days after sowing.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Redgram – Disease management (Wilt), p. 131
Region
Tamil Nadu
Last updated
2026-11-04
Sterility mosaic
Rogue out (pull out and destroy) virus-infected plants in the early stages of growth. The disease is spread by a mite (Aceria cajani).
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Redgram – Disease management (Sterility mosaic), p. 131
Region
Tamil Nadu
Last updated
2026-11-04
Root rot
For root rot, spot drench with carbendazim at 1 g per litre of water.
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)), Redgram – Disease management (Root rot), p. 131
Region
Tamil Nadu
Last updated
2026-11-04
Cyst nematode
Seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma viride at 5 g + 5 g per kg of seed manages the cyst nematode, Heterodera cajani.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Redgram – Nematode management, p. 131
