Population Dynamics and Management of Shoot and Fruit Borer (Earias vittella F.) on Okra with Newer Insecticides

Author: Suman Shivani, Badaya Ashok Kumar, Saxena Sakshi, Naveen and Kumar Neeraj

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Abstract

The fluctuation in weather parameters can significantly influence pest populations in okra crops. Pests are affected by various weather-related factors, which can either promote or limit their population growth. So, the present investigation was carried out to study the population dynamics and management of shoot and fruit borer with newer insecticides in Okra. The population of shoot and fruit borers was first recorded during the 35th standard meteorological week (SMW) which attained its peak (20.25% fruit damage) during the 38th SMW. After that, a tendency towards a decline in the pest population was observed up to the harvest i.e., 41st SMW. Shoot and fruit borer, Earias vittella Fabricius incidence correlated with weather parameters indicated that morning relative humidity showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.89) whereas minimum temperature (r = -0.53) and wind velocity (r = -0.67) showed significant negative correlation. In the field experiment, all the insecticidal treatments recorded significantly less fruit damage as compared to the control. Among the newer insecticides, abamectin 1.9% EC @ 987 ml/ha treated plot was recorded with the least fruit damage (5.27%) and produced the highest fruit yield (68.33 q/ha). However, afidopyropen 50 g/l DC @ 600 ml/ha was found economical and most effective with the highest cost-benefit ratio (1:22.3) followed by tolfenpyrad 15% EC @ 1000 ml/h (1:15.1). This integrated approach can help reduce crop losses and ensure a more sustainable and profitable okra production system.

Keywords

Abamectin, afidopyropen, fruit infestation, novel insecticides, weather parameters

Conclusion

From the present investigation, it can be concluded that the incidence of E. vitella was first recorded during the 35th SMW and available up to the 41st SMW. The population of pests started increasing sharply from the 36th SMW and reached its peak during the 38th SMW. Correlation studies revealed that morning relative humidity showed a significant positive correlation while minimum temperature and wind velocity showed a significant negative correlation with shoot and fruit borer damage. Also, the overall superiority of afidopyropen 50 g/l @ 600 ml/ha was recorded among all the treatments due to the highest economic return marked the effect on reduction of pest damage. Although the highest net fruit yield was recorded in abamectin 1.9% EC @ 987 ml/ha due to the highest cost of treatment, economically this treatment is not considered as most effective treatment. The next effective treatment in higher fruit and economic return was recorded as tolfenpyrad 15% EC@ 1000 ml/ha. Hence, for sustainable Okra production, it is necessary to replace old-generation insecticides with safer and novel chemistry compounds with a distinct and unique mode of action.

References

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How to cite this article

Suman Shivani, Badaya Ashok Kumar, Saxena Sakshi, Naveen and Kumar Neeraj (2023). Population Dynamics and Management of Shoot and Fruit Borer (Earias vittella F.) on Okra with Newer Insecticides. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(10): 482-487.