Efficacy of natural products and biorationals against, Tetranychus spp Koch, (Acari: Tetranychidae) infesting okra under open field conditions

Abstract

Okra is highly nutritious and commercial vegetable crop grown in open field conditions throughout the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. But tetranychid mites, Tetranychus spp (Acari: Tetranychidae) cause major problems in its cultivation resulting in significant losses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of different biorationals and natural products against Tetranychus spp on okra under open field conditions. Results revealed that among all the natural products and biorational treatments, ginger (2.66mites/2cm2 leaf-area) and pepper (3.55 mites/2cm2 leaf-area) extracts followed by Neemastra (7.11 mites/2cm2 leaf-area) and Agniastra (8.22 mites/2cm2 leaf-area) caused more reduction of mites at the highest doses of 30ml/l in both ginger and pepper while 50ml/l in Neemastra and Agniastra respectively. Even the PAU home made neem extract and Pongamia extract both @ 12ml/l were found more effective as compared to the Dherek extract. All the treatments were found superior in reducing the population of pest mite over untreated control, so these biorationals can be integrated for effective mite management programmes.