BARI alerts farmers to pest infestation in ginger crops

Scientists from the Entomology Division of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) spotted the occurrence of a destructive insect known as 'Fall armyworm' in ginger crops in June at the experimental farm of Spices Research Centre, located in Shibganj, Bogura.

According to Dr. Zulfikar Haider Prodhan, an Entomologist and Chief Scientific Officer of Spices Research Centre, the insect pest was found causing damage to the leaves of ginger plants.

Dr. Prodhan observed that the pest infestation was currently under control, and he advised farmers not to panic due to the presence of this pest. He mentioned that BARI has already developed an effective management strategy to combat this pest, says a press release.

To resist attacks from this pest, Dr. Nirmal Kumar Dutta, Chief Scientific Officer and Head of the Entomology Division at BARI, advised farmers against indiscriminate spraying of toxic chemical insecticides, as t his practice could harm beneficial insects that naturally control the pest.

Instead, he suggested monitoring and mass trapping of adult insects using sex pheromone traps, collecting and destroying egg masses and larvae, and using the microbial biopesticide 'SfNPV' through targeted spraying as effective options.

In cases of severe infestation, Dr. Dutta recommended using less toxic, new-generation chemical insecticides as a last resort, with the guidance of the Extension personnel.

Fall armyworm, a devastating insect pest affecting maize crops worldwide, was first recorded in Bangladesh by BARI entomologists in November 2018. Due to a timely and coordinated approach and the efforts taken by the Ministry of Agriculture, the infestation of this pest in maize crops in Bangladesh is currently under control, and the resulting crop loss is minimised.