Effect of newer insecticide against whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) infesting soybean

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill), a significant global source of vegetable oil and protein, faces severe threats from insect pests, including the whitefly (Bemesia tabaci), which causes direct damage through sap-sucking and indirect harm by transmitting plant viruses and promoting sooty mold fungi. The present study evaluates the efficacy of twelve insecticides against whiteflies in soybean crops over two consecutive Kharif seasons (2021 and 2022) at the RARS Ujjain experimental station. The trials were conducted in a randomized block design with eleven insecticidal treatments, including Flubendiamide, Indoxicarb, Tetraniliprole, Spinosad, and a mixture of Betacyfluthrin + Imidacloprid, along with an untreated control. Two sprays were administered based on insect incidence. Observations on whitefly population were taken before and after the sprays at specified intervals. The results indicate that Betacyfluthrin + Imidacloprid and Thiamethoxam + Lambda Cyhalothrin were the most effective, significantly reducing the whitefly population compared to untreated controls. The study highlights the importance of using specific insecticides to manage pest populations while minimizing disruption to the natural ecosystem.