Studies on Varietal Screening and Field Efficacy of Different Bio-pesticides and Insecticides Against Fruit Borer, Helicoverpa Armigera (Hubner) in Tomato

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Studies on varietal screening and field efficacy of different bio-pesticides and insecticides against fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in tomato” was carried out during Zaid, 2022 and 2023. The field experiments were carried out at Crop Research Centre and laboratory experiments were conducted in Bio-control laboratory, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut (U.P.). During crop season (Zaid, 2022and 2023). Total five species of insect pests (Fruit borer, Serpentine leaf miner, Leaf caterpillar, Aphid & Brown sting bug) and two species of predators (Striped lynx spider & Ladybird beetle) were spotted from the month of March to June at various stages of crop. During Zaid, 2021-22, The peak period of occurrence of Helicoverpa armigera was observed in 20th standard week (Fourth week of May 2022). The maximum population of this insect was recorded as 4.73 larvae/plant. During Zaid, 2022-23, The peak period of occurrence of this insect was observed in 23rd standard week (Second week of June 2023). The maximum population of this insect was recorded as 3.80 larvae/plant. During Zaid, 2021-22 & 2022-23, fifteen varieties were screened to know the degree of resistance against fruit borer. Among all the varieties, minimum larval population was observed in the K. Hemant (0.65) followed by K. Anupam (0.74), K. Amrit (0.76), Pusa Sadabahar (0.96), K. Sharad (1.17), CO-3 (1.26), K. Vishesh (1.27), Arka Samrat (1.31), H-24 (1.45), K. Amul (1.73), Arka Rakshak (1.74), K. Aman (2.00), Gautom (2.08), K. Adarsh (2.42) & Money maker (2.46). Among all the varieties, highest percent fruit damage was observed in K. Adarsh (42.01%). The lowest percent fruit damage was observed in K. Hemant (14.00%) followed by K. Amrit (14.21%), K. Anupam (16.69%), K. Sharad (17.05%), Pusa Sadabahar (19.95%), CO-03 (26.04%), K. Vishesh (28.97%), H-24 (32.03%), Arka Samrat (32.55%), K. Amul (33.98%), K. Aman (34.98%), Arka Rakshak (35.60%), Gautom (38.94%) & Money maker (39.52%). After analyzing the biology of Helicoverpa armigera, it was found that the pre-oviposition period, oviposition period & post-oviposition period were lasted for 2.46 ± 0.29 days, 6.33 ± 0.14 days & 1.67 ± 0.14 days, respectively. It was observed that the incubation, larval, pupal period, male and female longevity lasted for average 3.08 ± 0.32, 22.45 ± 0.44, 12.33 ± 0.62, 9.30 ± 1.25 and 11.30 ± 1.34 days, respectively. The lifecycle of Male and female was lasted for 50.30 ± 7.51 & 53.50 ± 7.93 days, respectively. The average length and breadth of eggs ranged 0.53 ± 0.062 and 0.46 ± 0.063 mm, respectively. The average length of first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth instars was in range of 1.54 ± 0.81, 4.14 ± 0.57, 8.16 ± 0.75, 14.55 ± 2.10, 21.37 ± 3.01 and 31.19 ± 1.96 mm, respectively. The average breadth of first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth instars was in range of 0.46 ± 0.05, 0.66 ± 0.07, 0.85 ± 0.03, 1.12 ± 0.10, 2.24 ± 0.29 and 3.06 ± 0.16mm, respectively. The average length of adult male and female was in range of 17.79 ± 0.41, 19.76 ± 0.58 mm and average breadth was in range of 35.55 ± 0.92, 40.08 ± 0.99 mm, respectively. To evaluate the efficacy of different bio-pesticides and insecticides against fruit borer in tomato, 4 biopesticides, 3 insecticides and one untreated control were used viz., Metarhizium anisopliae, HaNPV, Beauveria bassiana, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurtaski, Spinetoram 11.7% SC, Novaluron 10.00% EC, Emamectin benzoate 5% SG & control. The most effective treatment to manage the pest was Spinetoram 11.7% SC (0.91 larvae/plant) which was statistically at par with Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (1.09 larvae/plant) followed by Novaluron 10.00% EC (1.17 larvae/plant), HaNPV (1.42 larvae/plant), Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurtaski (1.53 larvae/plant). Maximum mean larval population was recorded in treatment Metarhizium anisopliae (1.68 larvae/plant) followed by Beauveria bassiana (1.59 larvae/plant). However, the best incremental cost benefit ratio was found in the treatment of Emamectin benzoate (1: 9.90) indicating the maximum returns Rs.9.90 per Rupee invested followed by Novaluron (1: 5.67), Spinetoram (1: 5.62), Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurtaski (1: 5.53), HaNPV (1: 5.50) & Beauveria bassiana (1: 4.83). The lowest incremental C: B ratio was recorded in the treatment of Metarhizium anisopliae (1: 4.48).