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Biochar as Silicon Inducer and its Effects on Bhendi Mite, Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval)

Author: A. Nithish Kumar, P. Chandramani, R. Nalini, M. Ananthan and P. Kannan

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Abstract

The use of biochar as organic amendments in order to curtail the pest resurgence and environmental pollution. A field experiment was conducted at Melur village, Madurai district to assess the effectiveness of biochar against the damage caused by Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval) on okra plants. Treatments involving varying levels of biochar and Rice Husk Ash (RHA) as basal application were supplemented with alternating foliar sprays of 1.0% potassium silicate and 1.0% azadirachtin. The population density of T. cinnabarinus was monitored weekly throughout the crop season. The results of the field experiment revealed that seed treatment of biochar @ 100g/kg of seed + basal application of biochar @75 kg/ha along with foliar spray of 1.0% potassium silicate at 30 and 60 DAS and 1.0% azadirachtin at 45 and 75 DAS (T9) led to a significant reduction in the population of mite. The next best treatments were seed treatment with biochar @ 100g/kg + basal application of RHA @ 75kg/ha along with spraying of potassium silicate and azadirachtin (T10) and standard check, basal application of neem cake 250 kg/ha + Imidacloprid @ 100 ml/ha. The per cent reduction observed was 51.92 % in the treatment T9 over the control where as it was 47.49 % and 46.13 % in T11 and T10 respectively.

Keywords

Biochar, rice husk ash, potassium silicate, basal application, Tetranychus

Conclusion

Employing basal application of biochar and rice husk ash along with potassium silicate and azadirachtin significantly reduce the population density of mite in bhendi. In the context of organic farming, the incorporation of silicon sources such as biochar could be contemplated as a future consideration for sustainable eco-friendly approaches and mitigating pests under field conditions.

References

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How to cite this article

A. Nithish Kumar, P. Chandramani, R. Nalini, M. Ananthan and P. Kannan (2023). Biochar as Silicon Inducer and its Effects on Bhendi Mite, Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(9): 180-183.