A review on seasonal incidence and insecticidal management of spotted pod borer [Maruca vitrata (Geyer)] with special reference to urdbean (Vigna mungo L.) In India

Abstract

Urdbean or Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) is an important pulse crop in the semi-arid tropics and subtropical farming systems, providing high quality vegetable protein. Among the insect pests attacking on blackgram Spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Geyer) is a major constraint for the production of blackgram at critical stages like flowering and pod formation stages. The spotted pod borer is causing serious damage to the crop, leading to huge losses. Because of its extensive host range and destructiveness, it became a persistent pest in pulses, being available throughout the year in different seasons / situations. The efficacy of chemical insecticides belonging to different groups against spotted pod borer was well established on different pulse crops. This review pertains to seasonal incidence at different locations and the most promising conventional and novel insecticidal compounds in the light of their use for the management spotted pod borer in pulses in general and blackgram in particular.