Relative efficacy of various insecticides against alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica G. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) crop and elaboration of hazardous effects on predators

Abstract

The studies were conducted to determine the efficacy of seven insecticides viz., spinosad (Spintor 480SC)@ 100 ml, chlorantraniliprole (Coragen 20SC) @ 62.5 ml, lufenuron (Marshal 5EC) @ 500 ml, methoxyfenozide (Runner280SC) @ 250, emamectin benzoate (Emamectin1.9 EC) @ 500 ml, bifenthrin (Welthrin 10EC) @ 500 ml, flubendamide (Belt 48SC) @ 125ml per hectarewith different mode of actions were tested against alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica G.) in the field of lucerne crop at Fodder Research Institute, Sargodha during, 2016-17. The data was recorded pre and post (3, 5, 7 and 10 days) treatment. Results showed that all seven insecticides gave satisfactory results as compared with control. But statistically highest mortality was found with the application of spinosad, emamectin benzoate and bifenthrin while the lowest mortality was found with chlorantraniliprole, methoxyfenozide, lufenuron and flubendamide. Biopesticides, emamectin benzoate, spinosad were remained comparatively safe for predators as compared with pyrethroids bifenthrin.