Effect of different ready-mix insecticidal formulations on ladybird beetle (Cheilomenes sexmaculata F.) in Bt cotton

Abstract

The present study entitled “Effect of different ready-mix insecticidal formulations on ladybird beetle (Cheilomenes sexmaculata F.) in Bt cotton” was undertaken at Agricultural farm of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhule (Maharashtra)- 424004 during Kharif 2024. The experiment was designed using a Randomized Block Design, incorporating eight treatments and three replications. The variety selected for this study was “Ankur Kirti BG II”. A total of eight treatments were used in the current investigation, which included insecticides such as Bifenthrin 8% + Clothianidin 10% SC @ 500 ml/ha, Profenofos 40% + Cypermethrin 4% EC @ 1000 ml/ha, Clothianidin 3.5% + Pyriproxyfen 8% SE @ 1500 ml/ha, Pyriproxyfen 8% + Dinotefuran 5% + Diafenthiuron 18% SC @ 600 ml/ha, Propargite 50% + Bifenthrin 5% SE @ 1100 ml/ha, Fipronil 40% + Imidacloprid 40% WG @ 125 g/ha, Lambda-cyhalothrin 4.6% + Chlorantraniliprole 9.3% ZC @ 250 ml/ha, and untreated Control. Regarding the effectiveness of the various ready-mix insecticidal formulations, all of them demonstrated significantly greater efficacy compared to the untreated plot in managing pest populations in the Bt cotton. Furthermore, while controlling pests, there is a potential risk of harming the natural enemies present in the Bt cotton ecosystem.