Management of Amsacta moorei Butl (Lepidoptera Arctiidae) through botanical products

Abstract

A laboratory experiment was conducted at D.B.S. P.G. College Kanpur to study the insecticidal effect of 10 indigenous plant extracts (A. calamus, A. vasica, A. galanga, C. sativum, C. tiglium, J. curcus, S. indica, S. acmella, T. asthmatica and Neemgold) their different concentrations (0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0%) over three exposure periods (6 hrs, 12hrs & 24 hrs.) against red hairy caterpillar, Amsacta moorei bult. Significant variation was recorded among plant extracts their concentrations and exposure periods. The highest mean mortality value was recorded with plant extract of A Calamus (80.87%) followed by neem gold (74.26%), A. vasica (67.90%) and T. asthmatica (66.80%). Likewise, 2% conc. of plants extract and 24 hrs exposure periods were found to be most effective by achieving the highest mortality 69.24% and 78.99% respectively. Combination of A. calamus with 2% conc. and 24hrs exposure period (A1xB3 &A1xC3) exhibited highest mortality value 87.95and 90% respectively. Similarly, interaction between 2%conc. with 24hrs exposure period (B3xC3) was found to be most useful by achieving 83.24% mortality value of the insect. The performance of A1xB3 x C4 combination was found to be most effective by achieving the highest mortality 87.95%. Thus, A. calamus extract with 2% concentration over 24 hrs duration may be used for achieving the highest mortality of A. moorei, a serious pest of groundnut, cowpea, sorghum and vegetables in North India, further it may also be an ideal substitute for synthetic pesticides.