Effect of Diverse Nipping Dates on the Infestation of Helicoverpa Armigera on Chickpea Crops under Arid Climate Conditions of Dera Ismail Khan: A Public Health Perspective

Abstract

This research investigates an alternative management strategy involving different nipping dates in chickpea cultivation to reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides for food legumes. The current study conducted during the 2022-23 that utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD). A total of six treatments, consisting of both nipping and non-nipping methods, were implemented starting December 1, 2022, with subsequent treatments applied at 15-day intervals (December 1, December 15, December 30, January 15, and January 30, 2023). A control group was maintained without nipping, allowing for natural growth, to assess the impact of pod borer infestation. The findings indicate that nipping at earlier dates significantly diminished pest infestations and improved grain yields compared to both later nipping and the control group. However, the study's findings may have limitations due to their dependence on specific environmental conditions and the focus on a single growing season, which could affect broader applicability. This research underscores the advantages of early nipping in enhancing yields and minimizing pesticide usage, contributing to sustainable pest management practices in arid regions. The results advocate for the implementation of early nipping within integrated pest management strategies in similar agro-climatic environments.