Pest and Disease Management in Crops: A Complete Guide for Indian Farmers

 

Learn how to manage crop pests and diseases with a mix of organic, chemical, and biological techniques. Explore IPM methods, common crop-specific issues, and safety tips for pesticide use in Indian agriculture.

Introduction: Why Pest and Disease Control is Critical for Indian Farmers

Pests and diseases are among the biggest threats to agricultural productivity in India. According to ICAR, Indian farmers lose up to 15–25% of potential crop yield every year due to pests and plant diseases. Effective pest and disease management is no longer optional — it’s essential for sustainable, profitable farming.

This blog will cover:

• Major pests and diseases in Indian crops

• Organic vs chemical control methods

• Use of traps, sprays, and biological techniques

• IPM (Integrated Pest Management) approaches

• Safety precautions while handling pesticides

Let’s dive into smarter, safer ways to protect your crops and improve farm health.

                                                                            

1. Major Pests and Diseases in Indian Crops

A. Common Pests in Major Crops

CropCommon PestsDamage Caused

RiceStem borer, Leaf folder, BPHDead hearts, leaf rolling, lodging

WheatTermites, AphidsRoot damage, yellowing, stunted growth

CottonBollworm, WhiteflyBoll drop, leaf curling, virus spread

VegetablesFruit borer, Mites, ThripsLeaf burn, fruit holes, wilting

PulsesPod borers, CutwormsFlower drop, stem cutting

SugarcaneEarly shoot borer, Top shoot borerStunted canes, dead tops

                                                                     

B. Common Crop Diseases in India

Disease NameAffects CropsSymptoms

BlastRiceLeaf spots, neck rot, panicle blight

RustWheat, PulsesYellow-orange pustules on leaves

Wilt (Fusarium/Verticillium)Tomato, BananaYellowing and wilting of leaves

Powdery MildewGrapes, VegetablesWhite fungal coating on leaves

Leaf SpotGroundnut, BananaBrown/black spots, defoliation

Root RotAll cropsRoot blackening, plant collapse

Tip: Regular crop scouting and early identification can reduce losses by over 50%.

                                                                           

 

2. Organic vs Chemical Control Methods

A. Organic Pest & Disease Control

Organic farming relies on natural inputs and biological barriers. Here are common methods used in India:

• Neem Oil Spray: Acts as insect repellent and egg-laying inhibitor. Useful for whiteflies, aphids.

• Panchagavya & Jeevamrut: Strengthens plant immunity and acts as antifungal.

• Cow Dung & Garlic Decoctions: Effective against leaf-eating caterpillars.

• Ash Dusting & Buttermilk Sprays: Controls soft-bodied insects and some fungal infections.

• Intercropping & Trap Crops: Marigold with tomato or mustard with brinjal attracts pests away from main crop.

B. Chemical Pest Control

When pest populations are high, chemical pesticides become necessary — but only with responsible use.

CategoryExample ChemicalsUse Case

InsecticidesImidacloprid, Lambda-CyhalothrinAphids, borers, beetles

FungicidesMancozeb, CarbendazimRust, mildew, blight

HerbicidesGlyphosate, ParaquatWeed control

BactericidesCopper OxychlorideBacterial leaf spots and rots

Important: Always use recommended doses, wear protection, and rotate chemical groups to prevent resistance.

                                                                           

 

3. Using Traps, Sprays & Biological Control

A. Traps for Monitoring and Control

• Pheromone Traps: Attract and trap male insects. Commonly used for cotton, brinjal.

• Sticky Traps (Yellow/Blue): Trap flying pests like whiteflies, aphids, thrips.

• Light Traps: Used at night to attract and kill moths or beetles.

Install 5–10 traps per acre based on pest intensity.

B. Spray Techniques

• Use knapsack sprayers or power sprayers for even coverage.

• Add sticker (spreader) to make solution stay longer on leaves.

• Spray in early morning or late evening to avoid sunburn and bee damage.

• Follow leaf-top to under-leaf pattern.

C. Biological Control

Biological agents are eco-friendly and safe for pollinators.

Bio-AgentTarget Pest/Disease

Trichoderma virideRoot rot, wilt fungi

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)Caterpillars, larvae

Beauveria bassianaAphids, mealy bugs, thrips

NPV (Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus)Helicoverpa larvae control

                                                                                    

4. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Techniques

What is IPM?

Integrated Pest Management is a smart farming approach that combines multiple pest control methods to reduce chemical use and maximize effectiveness.

Key IPM Principles

1. Prevention First – Crop rotation, resistant seeds, balanced fertilization.

2. Monitoring – Weekly field scouting and use of traps.

3. Threshold-based Action – Only treat when pest population crosses the economic threshold.

4. Use of Biologicals – Trichoderma, NPV, neem.

5. Limited & Targeted Chemical Use – Prefer selective, low-toxicity chemicals.

Example: IPM for Brinjal Shoot & Fruit Borer

• Intercrop with marigold (trap crop)

• Install pheromone traps (30 per acre)

• Spray neem oil (1%) weekly

• Release Trichogramma parasitoids

• Apply emamectin benzoate only if >10% infestation seen

Result: 60–70% reduction in pesticide usage and better quality produce.

                                                                       

 

5. Safety Tips While Using Pesticides

Pesticide misuse can harm humans, livestock, soil microbes, and the environment. Here are farmer-friendly safety practices:

Before Spraying

1. Read label instructions carefully
2.Wear gloves, goggles, and full-sleeve clothing
3.Prepare fresh spray solution; never reuse old mixtures
4. Check wind direction and avoid spraying against it

During Spraying

1. Do not eat, drink, or smoke
2.Avoid skin or eye contact
3. Keep others, especially children and livestock, away from field

After Spraying

1. Take a bath and wash clothes separately
2. Store leftover chemicals in original containers
3. Keep pesticides locked away and clearly labeled

Pro Tip: Join training sessions by KVKs or state agriculture departments on safe handling and emergency response.

                                                                       

 

FAQs on Pest and Disease Management

Q1. How often should I scout my field for pests?
👉 Once every 5–7 days during active crop stages.

Q2. Can neem spray control all pests?
👉 It’s effective on soft-bodied insects like aphids, whiteflies, but not on heavy infestations or borers.

Q3. What’s the ideal temperature to spray fungicides?
👉 Early morning when humidity is high and temperature is below 30°C.

Q4. Can I mix pesticides and fertilizers together?
👉 Only if label or agricultural expert recommends — wrong mixes can harm crops.

Conclusion: Smarter Protection Means Safer Crops and Higher Profit

Proper pest and disease management is not just about killing bugs — it’s about understanding ecosystems, using science-backed solutions, and protecting the long-term health of soil, plants, and people.

By combining:

• Early detection

• Organic + biological methods

• Targeted chemical sprays

• IPM principles

You can reduce losses, improve yields, and grow more sustainably.

Suggested Tools for Farmers

• Krishi Rakshak App – For identifying pests and suggested sprays

• Iffco Kisan App – Expert video guides and advisories

• Kisan Call Center (1800-180-1551) – Free phone support in regional languages

Suggested Reading for Farmers

• How to Improve Soil Health Naturally

• ICAR – Plant Protection Info