Bioefficacy of newer insecticide molecules against sucking insect pest complex in okra and their effect on predators

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the bioefficacy of newer insecticide molecules against okra pest complex and their effect on natural enemies during kharif 2019-20. It was found that acetamiprid 20% SP registered significantly lower population of thrips (8.87/3 leaves), leafhopper (6.46/3 leaves), aphid (8.40/3 leaves) and whiteflies (8.46/3 leaves). Further, acetamiprid 20% SP recorded highest reduction in sucking insect pest population compared to untreated control. Imidacloprid 17.8 SL was next best option and registered significantly lower thrips (10.67/3 leaves), leafhoppers (8.53/3 leaves), aphids (10.60/3 leaves) and whiteflies (10.53/3 leaves) population. All the other treatments were significantly superior over untreated control. Acetamiprid 20% SP was also found to be relatively safer and did not have significant deleterious effect on natural enemies. Among all treatments, acetamiprid 20% SP
resulted in significantly highest fruit yield (13.45 t/ha).