Indigenous Pest Management for Mung Bean: Ancient Wisdom Validated by Science

Indigenous Pest Management for Mung Bean: Ancient Wisdom Validated by Science

Last Updated: August 10, 2025

What if the most effective solutions for protecting modern crops were hidden in plain sight, passed down through generations of farmers? In the quest for sustainable agriculture, researchers are turning to Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK)—the wealth of traditional, local expertise developed over centuries. For mung bean farmers in Rajasthan, this ancient wisdom could hold the key to fighting devastating pest infestations without relying solely on chemicals.

This article explores a groundbreaking thesis that put these traditional methods to the test. We’ll uncover how simple, farm-made remedies like neemastra, buttermilk, and ash performed in a scientific setting against the top three mung bean pests, revealing a powerful case for blending age-old practices with modern research.

What is Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK)?

Before diving into the results, it’s important to understand what ITK represents. The thesis defines it as “the distinctive traditional local knowledge that exists within and is produced around specific conditions by indigenous women and men in a certain geographic location” (p. 8). This knowledge is dynamic, time-tested, and prioritizes “risk minimization over profit maximization” (p. 8), making it a cornerstone of sustainable farming.

The study focused on three specific ITK formulations used for pest control:

• Neemastra: A fermented mixture of neem leaves, cow urine, and cow dung.
• Buttermilk: Fermented cow buttermilk diluted for use as a foliar spray.
• Ash: Cow dung cake ash used as a dust application on plants (p. 61).

The Efficacy of Traditional Aphid Control

Aphids are a relentless threat to mung bean crops. The study tested each ITK method to measure its ability to reduce the aphid population during the 2019 and 2020 Kharif seasons.

Neemastra’s Power Against Aphids

Neemastra consistently emerged as the top performer.

• In 2019, the application of neemastra was “noticed very effective with 70.10 percent mean reduction” in the aphid population after the first treatment (p. 145).
• In 2020, its effectiveness was even higher, causing a “73.22 percent mean reduction” (p. 155).
• After the second treatment in 2020, neemastra achieved an impressive “81.14 percent mean reduction” (p. 156).

Buttermilk and Ash for Aphid Management

Buttermilk and ash also proved to be significantly better than no treatment at all.

• In 2019, buttermilk and ash caused “69.60 and 68.83 percent mean reduction, respectively” (p. 145).
• The study confirmed that “the annual report of NCOF, Gaziabad (2011-2012) reported that the extract of neemastra solution is effective against sucking insect pests and mealy bugs” (p. 194), reinforcing these findings.

Indigenous Pest Management for Mung Bean Whiteflies

Whiteflies are particularly dangerous pests. The study’s results on ITK for whitefly control offered promising, natural solutions.

Neemastra: The Best Defense

Once again, neemastra was the most effective method.

• In 2019, the treatment resulted in a “maximum 72.35 percent mean reduction” in whiteflies (p. 149).
• After the second treatment that year, it achieved a peak reduction of “82.00 percent” (p. 149).
• Across both years, neemastra was found to be the “most effective against population of whitefly… and it caused maximum reduction of 81.82 and 78.26 percent in population of whitefly during 2019 and 2020, respectively” (p. 195).

The Role of Buttermilk and Ash

Fermented buttermilk and simple ash also provided significant protection.

• Spraying fermented buttermilk is known to be “effective against whitefly on Bhendi crop and it is caused up to 60 percent reduction in whitefly population” (p. 195).
• Similarly, “the dusting of ash is protect to plants against various insect pests” (p. 195).

Traditional Methods for Jassid Control

The final major pest, the jassid, was also effectively managed using these traditional techniques, with neemastra again leading the charge.

Neemastra’s Dominance Over Jassids

• In 2019, neemastra caused a “maximum 72.18 percent mean reduction” after the first treatment (p. 152).
• In 2020, its performance was even more remarkable, achieving a “74.46 percent mean reduction” after the first treatment and a peak of “84.61 percent” after the second (p. 161, 162).

The Supporting Role of Buttermilk and Ash

• Buttermilk and ash followed closely, with jassid population reduction reaching “70.60 and 69.90 percent mean reduction, respectively” in 2019 (p. 152).

Conclusion: The Future is Rooted in the Past

This in-depth research provides powerful scientific validation for indigenous pest management for mung bean. Across two years of study, traditional formulations—especially neemastra—proved highly effective at reducing populations of aphids, whiteflies, and jassids. The findings strongly suggest that integrating these time-tested, low-cost, and sustainable ITKs can offer a viable path forward for farmers looking to reduce chemical dependence and cultivate healthier, more resilient crops.

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Sources & Citations

• Thesis Title: Study and Possible Control Measures for Insect Pests of Mung Bean in Rajasthan
• Researcher: Anand Kumar Prajapat
• Guide (Supervisor): Dr. Lekhu Gehlot
• University: Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur
• Year of Compilation: 2022
• Excerpt Page Numbers: 8, 61, 145, 149, 152, 155, 156, 158, 161, 162, 194, 195, 204.

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Disclaimer: Some sentences have been lightly edited for SEO and readability. For the full, original research, please refer to the complete thesis PDF linked in the section above.

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Have you ever tried a traditional or homemade pest remedy on your plants? Share your results in the comments!

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