Efficacy of a biopesticide and synthetic pesticides against tobacco aphid, Myzus persicae Sulz. (Homoptera, Aphididae), on tobacco in Peshawar

Abstract

Myzus persicae Sulz. (Homoptera, Aphididae) is a major pest of tobacco in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, causing heavy losses to it each year. The pest is controlled routinely with synthetic insecticides, which has resulted in resistance and environmental concerns. In the present experiment effectiveness of a biopesticide (BtA) was compared with three synthetic insecticides (Confidor, trend and megamos) against M. persicae on tobacco. After 1st and 2nd chemical spray overall mean density of the pest was significantly lower in confidor (9.07, 12.02 aphids leaf -1 ) and higher in BtA (21.26, 30.89 aphids leaf -1 ) treatment. In control overall mean density of the pest increased from 21.63 to 37.23 aphids leaf -1 during first 25 days and 40.67 to 77.82 aphids leaf -1 during 2 nd 25 days experimental period. Among the treatments mean yield of tobacco green leaf was significantly higher in confidor treatment (2368 Kg ha-1) and lower in BtA (1815 Kg ha -1 ) treatment. In control mean yield of tobacco leaf was lowest with 1718 Kg ha -1 . The results of present experiment might help in better control of M. persicae on tobacco in KPK