Bioefficacy and economics of certain new molecule of insecticides against Gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) in chickpea

Abstract

Gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) is a major insect pest of chickpea. The gram pod borer begins to infest at vegetative stage and later feeds on flowers and developing pods. A field investigation was conducted to evaluate the bioefficacy of certain new molecule insecticides against Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) on chickpea during Rabi 2020-21 in randomized block design with three replications. The outcomes revealed that the application of Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @ 25g a.i./ha and Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD @ 60g a.i./ha were established to be most effective treatments and application of Fipronil 5% SC @ 50g a.i./ha was least effective in respect of reduction of H. armigera larval population. The maximum yield was recorded in Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @ 25g a.i./ha (14.00 q/ha) followed by Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD @ 60g a.i./ha (13.73 q/ha) and lowest yield was recorded from Novaluron 75g a.i./ha (10.15 q/ha) treated plot. The economics of different new molecule insecticides indicated that higher benefit cost ratio (BCR) was observed from Lambda Cyhalothrin 30g a.i./ha (7.86:1) followed by Emamectin benzoate 12g a.i/ha (6.75:1) and the lower BCR was recorded from Cyantraniliprole 60g a.i./ha (1.64:1) and Novaluron 75g a.i./ha (1.58:1). Chlorantraniliprole and Cyantraniliprole are newer group of insecticides, which are relatively safer and more effective against gram pod borer as comparison to conventional insecticides and can be used in successful management of this key pest of chickpea.