White Grubs

1. Cultural Control:

  • Deep plowing after first rains to expose grubs and pupae.
  • Crop rotation with non-host crops (e.g., legumes).
  • Early sowing to avoid peak grub emergence.

2. Biological Control:

  • Entomopathogenic fungi like Entomopathogenic Nematodes(EPN) (1 liter/acre) ,
    Metarhizium anisopliae (2liter/acre) or Beauveria bassiana. (2 liters/acre)
  • Entomopathogenic nematodes (e.g., Steinernema spp.) can kill grubs in soil.
  • Encourage natural predators (e.g., birds, ants).

you can apply incubated soil with Beauveria bassiana after seeding — and it is actually a very effective and safe method, especially for managing white grubs and other soil-borne pests. Here’s how to do it properly:

✅ Why It’s Safe After Seeding

  • Beauveria bassiana only targets insects, not seeds or plants.
  • It does not harm germination, seedlings, or beneficial soil microbes (if used correctly).
  • It stays in the soil zone where white grubs are active — feeding on their bodies when they come in contact.

🧪 How to Apply Incubated Beauveria-FYM Soil After Seeding

Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare a mixture of 2.5–5 kg Beauveria bassiana WP or powder with 100–200 kg well-decomposed FYM or neem cake.
2️⃣ Incubate in shade for 5–7 days. Keep moist, not wet. Cover with a sack or tarp to prevent drying.
3️⃣ After seeding is complete, broadcast this mixture evenly over the beds or planting rows.
4️⃣ Lightly rake or incorporate into the top 2–3 inches of soil — without disturbing seeds.
5️⃣ Water the beds gently to maintain moisture for fungal activity. Avoid flooding.

📌 Best Time to Apply After Seeding

  • Apply within 1–3 days after sowing.
  • Ideal soil temperature: 20–30°C, and moist conditions (not dry or soggy).
  • Avoid applying during very hot afternoons or if heavy rain is expected.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Combine with neem cake (25–50 kg/acre) to enhance anti-grub effects.
  • Avoid mixing with chemical fungicides for at least 5–7 days before and after.
  • If pest pressure is high, consider repeat application after 15–20 days.

Uses (If any):

While white grubs are primarily pests, here are a few niche uses:

  • As animal feed (in some regions): Dried or roasted larvae are used as poultry or fish feed due to their protein content.
  • Entomophagy: In some indigenous communities, certain grub species are eaten.
  • Soil health indicators: Their presence may indicate high organic matter, but at damaging levels, they are not beneficial.
  • Damage Caused:
    • Grubs feed on roots, disrupting water and nutrient uptake.
    • Wilting and yellowing of plants even with adequate water.
    • Severely infested fields may show patchy crop loss.
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp-q95XxNW0
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