Comparative Suitability of Soil and Foliar Applied Insecticides against the Aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Aphididae: Hemiptera) In Canola Brassica napus L.

Abstract

Chemical control is an essential component of crop protection in modern agriculture. Although some natural and biological controls are in practice, the use of insecticides is still considered the primary strategy to control insect pests. This trial was designed to examine aphids control with Soil (Phorate 5G (Thimet) and Monomehypo 5G (Monosultap)) and foliar (Tracer 240 SC (Spinosad) and Steward 150 SC (Indoxacarb)) well-timed applied insecticides and their yield impacts due to varied aphid populations in canola Brassica napus L. Pest populations were estimated by whole plant aphid counts on 5 plants per replicate selected randomly. These data suggested that insecticides differed in performance against aphid as compared with control. The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), was the most dominating pest species at the experimental site across whole season. Soil applied insecticide treatments provided an early season suppression of aphid, but not provided adequate protection for long enough in the season. Aphid control with foliar insecticides was significantly better than soil applications tested. They probably did not provide adequate protection for aphids especially under conditions when aphids continued migrating into the field. Spinosad was the most effective insecticide tested after exposure followed by Indoxacarb for causing maximum aphid mortality and crop yield, but statistical differences among these treatments were not significant. Thus, pesticides are still the predominant type of pest control tactic of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in crop ecosystem.