Efficacy of different treatment schedules against black flies in citrus ecosystem

Abstract

The present investigation therefore was undertaken to evaluate the effective control measure to tackle the prevailing pest problems with harmonious way. The treatment T6 (Thiamethoxam 25% WG drenching followed by Acetamiprid 20% SP and Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC) recorded the lowest pooled mean of 8.91 black flies per 15 cm twig, indicated superior and sustained control throughout the season. It was followed by T5 (Imidacloprid 200 SL-Acetamiprid 25% WG-Cyantraniliprole 10.26% SC), which recorded 9.64 black flies per 15 cm twig. Moderate reductions were observed in T4 (Buprofezin 25% SC-Azadirachtin 1%-Bt) and T1 (Azadirachtin 10,000 ppm-bioagent sequence) and which recorded 10.49 and 10.50 black flies per 15 cm twig, respectively. The integrated approach of T2 (sticky traps-NSKE 5%-fruit bagging) resulted in 10.84 black flies per 15 cm twig, while T3 (botanical sequence with Bt) registered the highest pest population among treated plots with 12.25 black flies per 15 cm twig. The untreated control (T7) maintained the highest infestation, with a pooled mean of 38.21 black flies per 15 cm twig, indicating the severity of pest buildup in the absence of management. Overall, chemical sequences had provided the most consistent and effective control of black flies, while botanical and biological treatments offered moderate but eco-friendly suppression when integrated into pest management strategies.