Bio-intensive management of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) and Maruca vitrata (Geyer) in Pigeonpea

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to evaluate different bio-pesticides for the management of pod borers in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] during Kharif 2014 at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Lam, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. The results showed that the larval population, pod damage and grain damage due to Helicoverpa armigera in the experimental area ranged from 0.03 to 7.12 larvae / plant, 6.7 to 24.6% and 5.8 to 18.3% respectively. Similarly, the larval population, pod damage and grain damage due to Maruca vitrata ranged from 0.1 to 7.9 larvae / plant, 6.4 to 27.3% and 4.0 to 20.3%, respectively. Among the different bio-pesticides, spinosad 45% SC @ 73g a.i/ha was most effective, followed by recommended insecticide, chlorpyriphos 20EC @ 250g a.i/ha + DDVP 76EC @ 380g a.i/ha which have recorded less pod damage (13.1 and 15.3%, respectively) and grain damage (9.8 and 11.1%, respectively), highest yield (1671 and 1303 kg ha-1, respectively) and highest incremental cost benefit ratio (2.47 and 2.35, respectively).