HELIOTHIS ARMIGERA LURE

Helicoverpa armigera, commonly known as the cotton bollworm or corn earworm, is a significant agricultural pest that affects a wide range of crops. Lures containing specific pheromones can be used to attract and trap these moths, helping to monitor and control their populations. These lures are typically placed in traps strategically located in fields to capture male moths, reducing mating and egg-laying activity.

Selecting a Trap: Choose a suitable trap designed to attract and capture Helicoverpa armigera moths. These traps are typically available from agricultural suppliers.

Placement: Hang the trap in the field at a height of around 1-2 meters above the ground. Place the trap near the crop you want to protect, following the manufacturer’s instructions for the optimal distance from the crop.

Activating the Lure: Open the lure package just before use to release the pheromone. Insert the lure into the trap following the trap’s specific instructions. The lure will release pheromones that attract male moths.

Monitoring: Check the trap regularly to monitor the number of moths caught. This information can help you gauge the population size and determine if control measures are necessary.

Replacing the Lure: Replace the lure according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically every 4-6 weeks, to ensure continued effectiveness.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Incorporate the use of lures into an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy that includes other control methods, such as cultural practices and biological control, for effective and sustainable pest management.

Using lures to monitor and control Helicoverpa armigera populations can help reduce crop damage and improve yield in affected fields.

Nature of Damage

Cotton : Bore holes are visible at the base of flower buds, the latter being hollowed out. Bracteoles are spread out and curled downwards. Leaves and shoots may also be consumed by larvae. Larger larvae bore into maturing green bolls; young bolls fall after larval damage. Adults lay fewer eggs on smooth-leaved varieties.

Tomato : Young fruits are invaded and fall; larger larvae may bore into older fruits. Secondary infections by other organisms lead to rotting.Maize: Eggs are laid on the silks, larvae invade the cobs and developing grain is consumed.

Chickpea : Foliage, sometimes entire small plants consumed; larger larvae bore into pods and consume developing seed. Resistant cultivars exist.Pigeon pea: Flower buds and flowers bored by small larvae may drop; larger larvae bore into locules of pods and consume developing seed. Short duration and determinate varieties are subject to greater damage. Less-preferred varieties exist.

Groundnut : Leaves, sometimes flowers attacked by larvae; severe infestations cause defoliation. Less preferred varieties exist.Okra : The young larvae on hatching feed on foliage for some time and later bore into the fruits with their bodies hanging outside.

Grapes : Insects feed on grapevine leaves, roots, flowers / berries and shoots are the most destructive. Secondary bacterial infections are common.Target PlantsCotton, Pigeon Pea, Gram, Tomato, Capsicum (Shimla Mirch), Maize, Pea, Grapes, Sorghum, Safflower, Sunflower, Castor, Potato, Okra, Rose, Pomegranate.

Trap to be used : Funnel Trap

Number of traps per Acre: 7 to 8

Life of Lure : 60 Day