Comparative efficacy of bio-agents and botanical extracts against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on chickpea (Cicer arietinum l.) crop

Abstract

Efficacy of bio-agents and botanical extracts against H. armigera was assessed in the field during the 2020-2021 Rabi Season, with three replications of the Randomize Block Design. When compared to the control, all of the bio-agents and botanical extracts tested were found to be effective in suppressing the gram pod borer infestation. Beauveria bassiana was shown to be the most effective in reducing H. armigera 14.18 percent pod damage, followed by Metarhizium anisopliae -15.37 percent pod damage, among all the spray materials studied. Pod infestation was lowest in the Beauveria bassiana test plots and highest in the control plots. Similarly, the Beauveria bassiana treated plot yielded the most (14.48 q/ha), while the control plot produced the least (8. q/ha). Beauveria bassiana was found to be the most effective in controlling Gram pod borer infestation, resulting in the least amount of pod damage and thus increased Chickpea yield. However, the Chemical and synthetic insecticide was extremely toxic. Furthermore, Metarhizium anisopliae, EPN, Custard apple leaf extract, Sweet flag rhizome oil and clove oil extract also showed better results than control in term of pest reduction and were comparatively safe to the environment. Hence these botanicals and bio-agents should be included in IPM program for the suitable management of H. armigera associated with Chickpea crop.