Eco-Friendly Management of H. Armigera (Hubner) Infesting Pigeonpea : Bio-efficacy of biopesticides against Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) infesting pigeonpea in Gujarat (India)

Among various insect-pests attacking pigeonpea, H. armigera (Hbner) Hardwick is a cosmopolitan and highly polyphagous insect and is the major biotic constraint. In Asia, H. armigera has developed high levels of resistance to organochlorine, organophosphates and synthetic pyrethroids. The trends also highlight the need for safe and effective management strategies for H. armigera, given impetus to the development and use of alternative and has less negative impact on beneficial organisms than conventional insecticides. At present, alternative is the biopesticides for its eco-friendly management. The effectiveness and economics of different treatments Bt @ 1.0 kg/ha and Bb @ 1.5 kg/ha along with half dose of endosulfan 0.035 per cent per cent were found as effective as the recommended synthetic insecticides for the eco-friendly management. The persistence of B. thuringiensis @ 2.0 kg/ha and B. bassiana @ 3.0 kg/ha became half within 3 days and caused the mortality in H. armigera larvae up to 7 and 11 days, respectively. Both the application methods (spraying and irrigation) of Bb proved to be equally effective in affecting the post-development of Helicoverpa larvae.