Harnessing in situ-vermiculture for sustainable pomegranate farming: Impact on incidence of whiteflies and mealybugs in pomegranate ecosystem

Abstract

This study explores the potential of harnessing vermiculture for sustainable pomegranate farming, focusing on its impact on pest management. Field experiments were carried out in farmers field at Managuli, Vijayapura, College of Agriculture, Vijayapura, Karnataka during 2020-2022. The effect of in-situ vermiculture technique on incidence of whiteflies and mealybugs pests revealed that the treatment earthworms @ 200/plant (1,48,000/ha) + FYM @ 30 kg/plant + crop residue mulching applied plot recorded least number of sucking pests (1.05 whiteflies/ shoot and 0.99 mealybugs/ shoot). Whereas, FYM @ 30 kg/plant applied plot recorded the maximum number of sucking pests population. Significantly higher number of clitellate earthworms were recorded in the earthworms @ 200/plant (1,48,000/ha) + FYM @ 30 kg/plant + crop residue mulching (41.82 clitellate earthworms) applied plot followed by other treatments. The presence of beneficial microorganisms from vermicompost likely contributed to this reduction, minimizing the need for chemical pesticides. The results underscore the dual benefits of in-situ vermiculturing in promoting soil quality and effective pest management, thereby supporting higher yields and better fruit quality. Overall, this sustainable practice offers a viable solution for enhancing agricultural productivity and environmental health in pomegranate cultivation.