Estimation of yield losses due to infestation of pod borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in pigeon pea

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to estimate the avoidable yield losses in pigeon pea due to infestation of the pigeon pea pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) for two consecutive seasons i.e. during kharif 2021-22 and 2022-23. The experiment was laid out in large plot techniques with two treatments and 15 repetitions. The pooled data over two years revealed that the seed yield was recorded 2226.50 and 953.90 kg/ha from protected and unprotected plot, respectively with 133.41% increased in yield from protected plots over the unprotected plots. The avoidable yield loss due to pod borer infestation was 57.16% by alternate application of pesticides viz, indoxacarb 0.008% and profenophos 40% + cypermethrin 4% @ 440 g a.i./ha at ten day intervals starting from the appearance of the pest.