Evaluation of bio-efficacy of botanicals against tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917)

Abstract

Laboratory bio-assay of botanicals against South American pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) larvae showed that neem oil @ 3% and Pungam oil @ 3% recorded the maximum per cent of larval mortality (82.65% and 79.33% respectively) followed by neem seed kernal extract (NSKE) @ 5% (77.67%).From the results of field experiment of botanicals against T absoluta the maximum reduction in larval population was recorded with neem oil @ 3% (65.26 %) followed by Pungam oil @ 3% (62.30%) and NSKE @ 5% (61.15%). Fruit yield was higher in plots treated with neem oil @ 3% (17.55t/ha) followed by Pungam oil @ 3% (16.96t/ha) and NSKE @ 5% (16.77t/ha) coupled with cost benefit ratio of 1:1.65, 1:1.46 and 1:1.42 respectively.