Management of thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis H.) infesting grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) using biorationals after October pruning

Abstract

A field investigation entitled, “Management of thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis H.) infesting grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) using biorationals after October pruning” was conducted during 2024–25 at the All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Fruits, Department of Horticulture, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri. The study evaluated the efficacy of various biorationals, viz., Beauveria bassiana 1.15 % WP, Metarhizium anisopliae 1.15 % WP, Lecanicillium lecanii 1.15 % WP, Azadirachtin 10000 ppm, Karanj oil, Silicon, Spinosad 45 % SC and an untreated control, against thrips infesting grapevine after October pruning. The results revealed that Spinosad 45 % SC was significantly superior in reducing the thrips population (1.54 thrips/shoot/vine) and minimizing berry damage, which resulted in the highest fruit yield (21.85 t/ha). This was followed by Azadirachtin 10000 ppm (2.94 thrips/shoot/vine) and Karanj oil (3.04 thrips/shoot/vine), which were statistically at par. Although Spinosad 45 % SC was the most effective treatment, its higher cost led to a lower ICBR (1:6.78). In contrast, the entomopathogenic fungi Lecanicillium lecanii (1:26.80) and Metarhizium anisopliae (1:25.55) recorded the highest ICBR values due to their lower input cost. Thus, Spinosad 45 % SC is recommended for high-value vineyards, whereas microbial formulations are more suitable for cost-sensitive growers.