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 β 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:
β Why Itβs 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 β feeding on their bodies when they come in contact.
π§ͺ How to Apply Incubated Beauveria-FYM Soil After Seeding
Step | Instructions |
---|---|
1οΈβ£ | Prepare a mixture of 2.5β5 kg Beauveria bassiana WP or powder with 100β200 kg well-decomposed FYM or neem cake. |
2οΈβ£ | Incubate in shade for 5β7 days. Keep moist, not wet. Cover with a sack or tarp to prevent drying. |
3οΈβ£ | After seeding is complete, broadcast this mixture evenly over the beds or planting rows. |
4οΈβ£ | Lightly rake or incorporate into the top 2β3 inches of soil β without disturbing seeds. |
5οΈβ£ | Water the beds gently to maintain moisture for fungal activity. Avoid flooding. |
π Best Time to Apply After Seeding
- Apply within 1β3 days after sowing.
- Ideal soil temperature: 20β30Β°C, and moist conditions (not dry or soggy).
- Avoid applying during very hot afternoons or if heavy rain is expected.
π‘ Pro Tips
- Combine with neem cake (25β50 kg/acre) to enhance anti-grub effects.
- Avoid mixing with chemical fungicides for at least 5β7 days before and after.
- If pest pressure is high, consider repeat application after 15β20 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