Nutrient Management and Chemical Control of Pyrilla in Sorghum

Fodder quality of sorghum is deteriorated due to heavy infestation of pyrilla. This pest is being managed by insecticides which result in ecological backlash, destruction of beneficial insects and plant toxification. It is, therefore, imperative to evaluate alternates of chemical control like host plant resistance, which may be induced by proper nutrient management. This research project was designed to estimate the variation in pyrilla population and yield components of sorghum associated with integration of nutrient management and chemical control. In present study, there were 5 treatments [T1(nutrient management program(NMP) of Ali-Akbar group without integration of chemical control); T2(NMP of Ali-Akbar group with integration of chemical control); T3(NMP of Warble without integration of chemical control); T4(NMP of Warble with integration of chemical control); T0(control)]. The results revealed that pyrilla population was found minimum in T2 and T4. Although the plant growth was good but higher pyrilla attack was found in T1 and T3. High grain yield, plant height, number of leaves and basal girth were observed in the nutrient applied treatments.