Home ›› 19 May 2023 ›› Nation
The researchers and entomologists of the Agrotechnology Discipline of Khulna University have invented the process of rapid production and propagation of five species of insect to benefit crop production.
According to the researchers, it is possible to prevent the attacks of harmful insects on any crop with these beneficial insects.
These are Habrobracon hebetor, Trichogramma japonicum, Trichogramma pretiosum, Trichogramma evanescens and Trichogramma chilonis.
The Trichogramma are a genus of parasitoid organism that lives in close association with their host at the host’s expense, eventually resulting in the death of the host. They are capable of destroying the eggs of insects that harm crops. And Habrobracon destroys the larvae of harmful insects to suppress their reproduction naturally.
Pest attacks are one of the major reasons for all sorts of crop loss in the country. Farmers use pesticides on vegetables, fruits and grain crops to prevent harvest loss. Excessive use of pesticides can have long-term harmful effects on the human body.
The pest attacks can be prevented naturally by using other insects that do not harm the crops. However, the excessive use of pesticides has endangered the beneficial insects to the verge of extension.
The project was recently exhibited at an agri function organised by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) where it received positive responses from agriculturists and farmers alike.
Professor Dr Shamim Ahmed Kamal Uddin Khan of KU’s Agrotechnology Discipline said the insect development project began in 2019 with the cooperation of the University of Virginia, USA.
“The project was suspended due to the Covid-19 outbreak and resumed in 2022. The researchers have found success in the propagation of beneficial insects this year,” he said.
In response to a question, he told The Business Post that the insects are capable of reproducing on their own once released in a field. These insects do not harm the crops but rather eat various pests.
Khulna Regional Director of the project and entomologist Professor Dr Shimul Das said five species of insects have been successfully propagated so far.
Shimul Das further added that the insects produced in the laboratory will be distributed free of cost to the farmers. The farmers will also be trained in the process of insect production.
Khulna DAE Additional Director Agronomist Mohan Kumar Ghosh said beneficial insects are environmentally friendly.
“These insects do not damage harvestable products. It is possible to reduce the use of pesticides to zero if farmers are made aware of the use of these insects,” he added.
