Evaluation of biopesticides and insecticides against Sciothrips cardamomi Ramk.

Abstract

Cardamom thrips, Sciothrips cardamomi Ramk., is a major and persistent pest of small cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton, causing significant yield loss in poorly managed plantations. The development of effective and sustainable management strategies is therefore essential. In the present study, four botanicals, namely neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) @ 5%, Brugmansia suaveolens (Br. suaveolens) leaf extract @ 5%, Tithonia diversifolia leaf extract @ 5%, and Aloe extract @ 2%; horticultural mineral oil @ 1%; two entomopathogenic fungi, Lecanicillium lecanii @ 2% and Beauveria bassiana (B. bassiana) @ 2%; and four insecticides, Spinetoram 11.7 SC, Thiamethoxam 25 WG, Quinalphos 25 EC, and Spiromesifen 22.9 SC, were evaluated against S. cardamomi. The results revealed that Spinetoram 11.7 SC recorded the lowest capsule infestation, followed by Thiamethoxam 25 WG, Quinalphos 25 EC, NSKE 5%, and Spiromesifen 22.9 SC during both dry and monsoon seasons. Significantly reduced capsule infestation was also observed in treatments with horticultural mineral oil, B. bassiana, and Br. suaveolens leaf extract. These findings indicate that, in addition to the proven efficacy of chemical insecticides and NSKE, horticultural mineral oil, B. bassiana, and Br. suaveolens possess considerable potential for incorporation into the integrated management programmes for S. cardamomi, following further validation and standardization under field conditions.