Effect of Lambda Cyhalothrin and Imidacloprid on the population density of aphid attacking strawberry

Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate the impact of Lambda Cyhalothrin and Imidacloprid on aphids in strawberry fields located in district Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan. The experiment was laid down in RCBD design with three replications. The spray was carried out once and observations regarding pest infestation were recorded at an interval of seven days for four consecutive weeks. The results depicted that aphid population significantly reduced after the spray of Cyhalothrin and Imidacloprid (1ml l-1). Maximum mean values of aphid population per leaf were found to be 27.9 before spraying Cyhalothrin whereas mean values of aphid population per leaf in case of Imidacloprid was 25.9. The population decreased significantly in first three weeks, however, it showed increasing trend in the fourth week. Minimum mean values of aphid population were found to be 6.6 after 14 days of spraying Cyhalothrin while minimum mean values after Imidacloprid spray was set up to be 11.4. The study demonstrated that both chemicals are effective in lowering aphid density in strawberry; however Lambda Cyhalothrin yielded better results as compared to Imidacloprid. The study emphasizes on the use of these chemicals to suppress aphid population under threshold levels and also recommends concentration and number of sprays to enhance the profitability of the crop and ensuring quality. The study asserts that pest status of aphid need to be assessed and management strategies worked out accordingly at larger scale.