Evaluation of selected botanical insecticides against radish flea beetles (Phyllotreta chotanica Duv.)

Abstract

Radish crop is frequently attacked by flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.). Farmers use many broad spectrum insecticides for management of this pest, which has several adverse effects on human health, environment and natural enemies. Therefore, an ecofriendly approach to manage this pest is need of the hour. Keeping these points in view, the investigation was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of selected botanicals against flea beetles in radish crop. Study was conducted during 2016-17 at College of Agriculture, UAHS, and Shivamogga. Seven different botanical insecticides were evaluated against radish flea beetle while using Malathion 50EC as standard check. The mean population of flea beetle was least in Malathion 50 EC (3.30) and NSKE (5%) (4.17) treated plots as compared to other treatments. The mean population was highest in untreated check (8.93). The per cent leaf damage also followed same trend as beetle mean population. The highest root yield of 160.78 q ha-1 was recorded with treatment Malathion 50EC which was on par with NSKE 5% (157.33 q ha-1). The untreated check recorded lowest root yield of 143.00 q ha-1.