Population dynamics of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) infesting tomato (Lycopersicon esculentus L.) and their sustainable management using bio-pesticides

Abstract

The present research was undertaken to study the population dynamics of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) infesting tomato (Lycopersicon esculentus L.) and their sustainable management using bio-pesticides. The maximum population level was maintained during 11th standard week to 18th standard week that is during 2nd week of March to 3rd week of March with peak population (0.47/leaf) was recorded. Weekly population counts on white fly showed non-significant negative correlation (p=0.05) with temperature and weekly total rainfall where as significant negative correlation with relative humidity. The insecticide acetamiprid was found most lethal against whitefly providing 76.59% suppression, closely followed by extracts of neem + Spilanthes providing 62.39% suppression. Neem and Spilanthes individually did not produce good results but when used as a mixture they recorded better results. Highest yield (30.15 t/ha) were recorded from acetamiprid treated plots followed by neem + Spilanthes (27.55 t/ha). Azadirachtin and Plant extracts are biopesticides having less or no hazardous effects on human health and environment. Thus they can be incorporated in IPM programmes and organic farming in vegetable cultivation.