Development of a prophylactic integrated pest management module for groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a major oilseed and cash crop of Asia and Africa. Fungal diseases, grey weevils and termites are consistent major pests in arid region inflicting damage to the groundnut production. It is not feasible to identify all the pests precisely and adopt several management practices simultaneously to protect the crop in curative mode. Therefore, an integrated biointensive prophylaxis collegial module encompassing varietal tolerance, soil amendment, biocontrol agents and the minimal prophylactic use of pesticides is developed to promote sustainable agriculture and economic benefit for the farmers of arid region. This Integrated Pest Management module in prophylaxis mode proved to be the most effective in reducing the disease and insect pests in two groundnut cultivars HNG-10 and Girnar-2 with enhanced pod yields by 29.35% and 26.35%, respectively.