Standardisation of bio fumigant isolated from leaves of four major tuber crops against the mealy bug, Rhizoecus amorphophalli

Abstract

Proper management of these pests serves to avoid crop losses and provide more economic back up for the farmers. Mealy bug, Rhizoecus amorphophalli is a noxious pest infesting the tubers of tropical tuber crop elephant foot yam, Amorphophallus paeoniifolius. Present investigation was carried out to standardize the effect of different bio fumigants isolated from leaves of four major tuber crops against the mealy bug. Study revealed that bio fumigant from cassava leaf was proved to be effective and can be recommended for the successful management of this mealy bug. Fumigation chamber that can store the tubers for a long period without mealy bug infestation was designed accordingly.