Management of Spodoptera litura in Organic Cauliflower Cultivation

Author: D.K. Shedge, S.K. Bhalkare* and D.B. Undirwade

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Abstract

Despite the advantages as tools for eco friendly pest management, the use of botanical pesticides remains low indicating problems in their acceptance. In present study the efforts were made to use the locally available plant materials, it will be simpler and cheaper to prepare the extract for pest control. Attempt to replace insecticides to which the Spodoptera litura had developed resistance have been made in present study to harvest the pesticide free produce. The experiment was laid in Factorial Randomized Block Design during Rabi season of 2020-21 with twelve treatments replicated thrice. The treatments included were, Factor A with organic extracts viz., Triparni extract 10%, PDKV organic formulation 10% and PDKV botanical extract 10% along with control. Wherein Factor B included incubation periods of organic extracts i.e. 7 days incubation, 15 days incubation and 30 days incubation. Finally, cauliflower curd yield was recorded in each of the net plot to compare the effect of different treatments against the major pests of cauliflower. The results revealed that among the treatments, minimum population of S. litura was observed in plots treated with 30 days incubated PDKV organic formulation (2.28 larvae/plant) followed by 30 days incubated PDKV botanical extract (2.68 larvae/plant) and 30 days incubated Triparni extract (2.85 larvae/plant). However, all these treatments were found at par with each other. Whereas, relatively maximum population of Spodoptera was recorded in untreated control (5.37 larvae/plant). However, the treatment of 30 days incubated PDKV organic formulation recorded highest cauliflower yield (22.06 t/ha). Therefore, these organic extracts could be incorporated in integrated pest management program of organically grown crops.

Keywords

Cauliflower, Incubation period, organic extracts, Spodoptera litura

Conclusion

The treatments with 30 days incubated organic extracts and 15 days incubated organic extracts proved effective in combating the menace of pest of cauliflower and resulted into higher cauliflower curd yield. Thus, these organic extracts would be helpful in mitigating the pest in cauliflower which is alarming in the present situation and could be included in organic cauliflower production as a promising component.

References

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How to cite this article

D.K. Shedge, S.K. Bhalkare and D.B. Undirwade (2022). Management of Spodoptera litura in Organic Cauliflower Cultivation. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 14(4): 410-414.