Influence of seed treatment on the incidence of leafhopper, Amrasca devastans Distant (Cicadellidae: Hemiptera) in cotton

Abstract

An investigation was carried out to study the influence of seed treatment on the incidence of leafhopper, Amrasca devastans Distant infesting cotton crop under field condition at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam, Tuticorin District, Tamil Nadu during 2014 -15. The efficacy of seed treatment with fourteen synthetic insecticides was evaluated and to study the germination and seedling parameters by adopting Paper Roll Towel method under laboratory condition. The leafhopper population was significantly lower in acephate treated cotton seeds plot (0.70/3 leaves) followed by triazophos (1.70/3 leaves), acetamiprid (1.80/3 leaves), monocrotophos (2.30/3 leaves), imidacloprid 48 FS (2.40/3 leaves) and carbosulfan (2.60/3 leaves) than untreated check (5.40/3 leaves) during fourth week after sowing. The germination of cotton was maximum (48.81%) with imidacloprid 48 FS seed treatment. Seed treatment with acephate (10.83 cm), flubendiamide (10.73 cm), imidacloprid 48 FS (10.60 cm) and phosalone (10.23 cm) improved the shoot length of cotton over untreated check. Seed treatment with carbosulfan (20.67 cm) alone was able to improve the root length of cotton.