Efficacy of bio- and synthetic pesticides against pea leaf miner, Phytomyza atricornis Goureau (Diptera: Agromyzidae), on pea in Peshawar

Abstract

Pea leaf miner Phytomyza atricornis Goureau (Diptera: Agromyzidae) is a major insect pest of pea in Peshawar, causing heavy losses to it each year. Synthetic insecticides have been routinely used for the control of leaf miner on pea, but there are many side effects with the regular use of synthetics on pea crop. In the present study efficacy of a biopesticide and three synthetic insecticides were compared against P. atricornis of pea during 2005. The results revealed that overall mean density of P. atricornis after 1 st and 2 nd chemical treatment was significantly lower in megamos (1.08, 1.59 individuals leaf -1 ) and larsban (1.47, 2.07 individuals leaf -1 ). In control overall mean density and mean density after each chemical treatment of P. atricornis remained significantly higher than all the insecticidal treatments. Pea yield was significantly higher in lorsban (3323 kg ha-1) and lower in control (2352 kg ha-1). The findings of the present research might help in better control of insect pest of pea crop in Peshawar.