Evaluation Of Newer Insecticides And Entomopathogenic Fungus Against Leafhopper, Amrasca Biguttula Biguttula Ishidaon On Okra

Abstract

One of the most widely planted vegetable crops in various regions of our nation is okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench. Okra is grown in the summer and Kharif seasons. Infestation of insect pests one of the important limiting factors in the cultivation of okra. Numerous insect pest species decimate the okra crop. About 72 species of insects have been documented on okra. Among the numerous pests attacking in okra crop, leafhopper, Amrascabiguttulabiguttula Ishida; are considered as major pests and cause considerable losses in yield. Both the nymphal and adult stages of leafhopper cause damage by sucking the sap from leaf tissue. Therefore, the current study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of novel molecules with a unique mode of action in order to provide an achievable solution for the sustained control of the okra sucking insect pest. In this study, the efficacy of new generation insecticides viz., Diafenthuron 50 WP@ 300gm a.i./ha, Broflanilide 20 SC @ 25 gm a.i./ha, Spinetorum 1.7 SC @ 46.8 gm a.i./ha, Flonicamid 50 WG @ 75 gm a.i./ha evaluated. The maximum reduction of leafhopper populations was recorded in Flonicamid (2.31 leafhoppers per leaf) followed by Diafenthuron (2.66 leafhoppers per leaf), Spinetorum(3.22 leafhoppers per leaf) Broflanilide (3.64 leafhoppers per leaf) after one day of spraying. Same trend had been recorded for the 5,10, and 15 days after spraying. However botanical and microbial insecticides showed significant reduction of leafhopper over control. Therefore, for effective management of leafhopper in okra, these novel insecticides can be used alternatively depending upon the stage of pest.