Vol. 12, Issue 3 (2023)

Author(s):
Rohit Raj Singh, Nirupama Goudia and Manoj Kumar Jena

Abstract:
The experiment was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Instructional Farm, Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi, Odisha, India during the cropping season2020-21. All the treatments T1 – Neem oil (Multi Neem) @5ml/litre at an interval of 7 days + clipping of infested plant parts as and when seen, T2 −Neem oil (Multi Neem) @ 5ml/litre + clipping of infested plant parts as and when seen + bagging of fruits, T3 – Neem oil @ 5ml/litre + clipping of infested plant parts as and when seen + bagging of fruits + emamectin benzoate (Commander) 5% SG @ 12g a.i./ha (0.5g/litre) at an interval of 14 days in alternate sprays (need-based basis), were significantly superior to T4-untreated check but efficacy level varied between treatments. Among all treatments, T3 produced the best impact causing the lowest damage and the least number of insect pests/plant. It was followed by T2 and T1 in the order. However, T3 was significantly superior to T2 and T1. The highest number of natural enemies were recorded in T4 and T1 was at par safe with it. T2 and T3 were also apparently safe to predatory coccinellids and spiders but both were inferior to T1 and T4 in terms of safety to natural enemies. The incremental cost benefit (ICBR) was found to be the highest in T3 (1: 3.02) followed by T2 (1: 2.06). The ICBR of T1 was 1: 1.09 which was the lowest ratio among all. However, the modules were effective, cost-effective, and safe for natural enemies and pollinators, and the components effectively checked pest populations and their damages.