Efficacy of insecticides against gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract

Field experiments were carried out during the Rabi season of 2024 at the Research Farm, R.A.K. College of Agriculture, Sehore (M.P.) to assess the efficacy of newer insecticides against Gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner), in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Block Design with eight treatments replicated thrice. Observations on larval populations were recorded before treatment and at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 days after spraying, with two sprays applied at ETL crossing and 15 days thereafter. The results showed that Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC was the most effective treatment, recording the highest population reduction of 81.53% over control, followed by Novaluron 5.25% + Indoxacarb 4.5% SC (76.01%) and Indoxacarb 14.5% SC (71.34%). The mean larval density varied between 0.88 and 2.16 larvae per plant in treated plots, while the untreated control recorded 4.76 larvae per plant. All insecticidal treatments significantly increased the grain yield of chickpea, ranging from 19.60 to 23.10 q/ha. The maximum yield and benefit-cost ratio (1.9:1) were observed with Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC, followed by Lambda cyhalothrin 5% EC (1.8:1). The study concludes that Chlorantraniliprole is highly effective and economical for the management of H. armigera in chickpea.