Antixenosis Induced by Talc-based Bioformulation Pseudomonas fluorescens against Okra Shoot and Fruit Borer, Earias vittella

Abstract

In studies undertaken to assess the antixenotic resistance induced by talc-based bioformulations, the microbial consortia Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf1 + Beauveria bassiana B2 isolate (Pf1 + B2) treated plants were least preferred by the Earias vittella (Fab) moths for settling (3.11 and 6.00 nos.) and oviposition (18.36 and 21.62 nos.) in variety, Arka Anamika and hybrid, CoBhH1 respectively as against untreated check (9.00, 11.00 nos. of moths and 56.66, 80.66 nos. of eggs, respectively) The Pf1 + B2 treated plants had high Repellency index (43.11 %) and negative relative ovipositional index (-59.72%). The variety, Arka Anamika was less preferred for the settling of moths compared to the hybrid, CoBhH1. Among the different plant parts, egg laying was significantly greater on the terminal bud with 37.33 eggs on Arka Anamika and 53.00 eggs in CoBhH1.