Estimation of crop losses due to major insect pests of field pea in Gangetic plains of West Bengal

Abstract

The field experiment was conducted during 2016-17 and 2017-18 to assess the crop loss due to infestation of major insect pests on field pea. Gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera has been assumed the status of major pest on pea which attacks at reproductive stage of the crop. Among the sucking pests pulse aphid, Aphis craccivora is the major ones and it was observed in the field from vegetative stage. Highest pod yield, avoidable crop loss and increase in yield over control was recorded from the fully protected plot (T3), which was treated with Thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 0.2 g/ l of water and Indoxacarb 14.5 SC @ 0.5 ml/ l of water during vegetative stage and reproductive stage of the crop, respectively. The next most effective treatment was treatment (T2) with Indoxacarb 14.5 SC @ 0.5 ml/ l of water at reproductive stage of the crop however, application of Thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 0.2 g/ l of water at vegetative stage gave the good results against sucking pest. The results revealed that T3 gave maximum net profit of Rs. 13397.00/ ha and Rs. 14755.00/ ha during 2016-17 and 2017-18, respectively and it was followed by T2. Per cent pod damage was highest in untreated control (T4). Though the yield was more in T3, the incremental cost benefit ratio was highest in T1.