Bioefficacy and persistence of ferterra (chlorantraniliprole) for the management of top borer Scirpophaga excerptalis in sugarcane in Punjab, India

Abstract

Bioefficacy and residues of chlorantraniliprole are reported in sugarcane under sub-tropical climatic conditions. Ferterra (chlorantraniliprole) was tested @ 15, 20, 25 and 30 kg ha−1 along with two other insecticides namely phorate and carbofuran @ 30 kg ha−1 each in a commercial sugarcane variety Co 0238. Cumulative per cent incidence of top borer with treatment of chlorantraniliprole @ 30 and 25kg ha−1 was significantly less (0.44 and 0.89% in 2014-15, 0.78 and 1.11% in 2015-16) as compared to the other treatments and both the doses were at par with each other. The net return after excluding insecticide and labour cost, in treatment of chlorantraniliprole @ 30 was the highest (Rs. 51,462/-) closely followed by 25 kg ha−1 (Rs. 49,909/-). It was the lowest in chlorantraniliprole 15 kg ha−1 (Rs. 15,769/-). The population of natural enemies viz. Apanteles flavipes, Isotima javensis and Stenobracon sp., with the application of chlorantraniliprole at different doses viz. 15, 20, 25 and 30 kg ha−1 was comparable to the control treatment. On the other hand, the use of phorate and carbofuran @ 30 kg ha−1 was found to be non-selective and harmful to the natural enemies. On the basis of results of top borer management and economics, chlorantraniliprole @ 25 kg ha−1 was found superior in sugarcane and also provided maximum cane and sugar yield along with the other physiological growth parameters. The chlorantraniliprole is a green chemistry molecule with potential for top borer management, and is safe to the prevailing natural enemies and the environment.