Importance of Light Trap in IPM

    

Introduction:

     Integrated Pest Management (IPM) refers to the integration of various principles and  practices for the management of pests, so that it suppresses pest population below the economic injury level (EIL). IPM is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pest and their interaction with the environment. This information , in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

 

   Light traps are basically prepared on the principle that, most of the night flying insects are attracted towards the light source. Insects appear to be strongly attracted at light of 3650A. These are designed in such a way that when the insects are attracted and come close to the light source fitted in the apparatus they are fall in the trap fitted. Light traps can be used in various fields of pest (insect) infestations. They are used in vegetable fields, agronomy fields, fruits orchard, agro products storage , research fields, sometimes household, etc. These traps are successful in controlling certain species of moths, flies, some bugs, some flying beetles, etc.

                                              Figure 1: Generalised light trap                                                            

                                                                           

Classification of light traps:

           There are various light traps based on design and the light source used. Light sources range from simple oil lamps to different electric source.  Special light sources called black light have been developed and are particularly efficient because of the type of light they emit. They should be considered in situations  when other light sources (house, street light) are competing with the traps.

Design or Construction:

               Light trap contains basically two parts in it. One is the light source to attract insects and other the killing device to kill insect. Often there is a container with water placed under light source. It is better to add some soap in the water used for effective killing. Similarly sticky plates can also be used instead of water container. In some cases chemically treated nets can also be used to collect the insects trapped.

Advantages  of light trap:

·          Easily traps insect species

·          Cheaper in price and is hence affordable

·          Killing of insects favoured instead of chasing n repelling so controls permanently

·          Can be used in various places agri and non-agri purposes

·          Do not posses danger and residue problem

·          Gives immediate results

·          Requires low labour

·          Farmers can operate it it learnt once

·          Simple light traps can be made in home also using locally available light source

·          There is no problem of resistance

·          Safe to man, animal and natural enemies

·          Favours sustainable agriculture

·          Least or no chance of pollution

Disadvantages of light trap:

·          Requires few technical knowledge to operate

·          Highly efficient traps are quite costly

·          Not available to the all rural parts of the country

·          Is specific to particular nocturnal insects only

·          Beneficial insects are also killed along with the harmful insects

Proper functioning of light trap:

·          Once installed, insect light traps need little attention- just empty tray or replace the glue boards occasionally

·          ILT units function well as long as the bulb is lit

·          Traps with glue boards are better and more efficient than electrocutors

·          ILTs can be placed over or near food and food contact surfaces

·          Black light blue(BLB) bulbs or combinations of BLB and black light(BL) bulbs are more effective than BL lamps alone

·          Stunning circuitry improves the catch of glue board ILTs

·          Ultraviolet emissions from ILTs can effect human health

Light Trap In IPM:

      Light traps are the most effective and safe tools used for the IPM purpose. These never deviate the principles of IPM. These traps favour in the distraction towards chemical pesticides and insecticides. Worldwide pesticide problem was considered in  light trap invention. Ill effects due to various chemical pesticides are also avoided after the use of light traps. Pest can develop resistance against pesticides, which is completely avoided in case of IPM’s light trap technique. Light trap application favours in the sustainable agriculture practice, since it doesn't give any residual effects on the field.Light traps never harms the useful soil organisms, which is a part of ideal IPM.

Conclusions:

      Hence light trap has been found to be very essential part of IPM, which follows the IPM practice almost ideally. According to the requirement it can be set to either kill the pests or simply trap only. Trapped insects can also be used for study about the nature and their potentiality to be used under IPM practice. Finally Light Trap has been accepted to have significant importance in IPM.