The Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) here in association with the National Rice Research Institute (NRRI) in Cuttack, Odisha, has successfully implemented the ‘pheromone’ technology in Odisha for protecting crops like maize, groundnut, cucurbits, col crops like cabbage and cauliflower, and vegetables like brinjal and tomato.
Pheromone Application Technology (PAT) is when an adult male insect is lured through a female sex hormone-mimicking scent prepared in the lab and taken to fields to stop natural mating and thereby, preventing reproduction of next generation of pests.
“Our pheromone technology has benefited 500 farmers directly and the usage of pesticides has been reduced by 50-60% in cabbage, cauliflower, brinjal, tomato, cucurbits, groundnut, vegetables in Odisha,” said IICT chief scientist B.V. Subba Reddy. PAT will now be popularised of another 1,500 hectares area in other districts of Odisha during the current year.
