Due to the change in the weather, the outbreak of caterpillars has increased in the wheat crop. Surprisingly, this caterpillar was never seen before in the wheat crop. But like last year, this year also the outbreak of caterpillars is visible in the wheat crop. The name of this insect is the fall armyworm. It is a polyphagous insect. It mainly damages the maize crop. But nowadays this pest is also harming the wheat crop. Its outbreak increases more in cloudy weather. Also causes more damage to crops. Insect infestation reduces when it gets colder.

Insect identification: The newly hatched caterpillar is generally pale green in colour with a black head. After the second stage, the colour of the head becomes reddish brown. The inverted Y-shaped black structure on this red-coloured head is the main identity of this insect. The adult caterpillar is mottled grey to dark brown, bearing a close resemblance to the tobacco caterpillar. The female moth covers the eggs with a grey scale that usually gives the appearance of mildew.

Control measures: To control this pest, take a spray of Emanova (Emamectin Benzoate 5 % SG) @ 80 gm + Bave Curb (Bavaria bassiana 5% WP) 250 gm + Silicomaxx Gold @ 50 ml per acre @ 200 litres of water

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