Damage of Melanagromyza obtusa (Malloch) and Management Potential of Newer Insecticides in Pigeon Pea

Abstract

Background: The pod fly, Melanagromyza obtusa (Malloch) is one of the major biotic constraints in increasing production and productivity of pigeonpea crop throughout the country and it causes up to 100 per cent losses in field condition. Injudicious use of pesticides against this destructive pest, further ignites the problem of resistance, resurgence and environmental and ecological imbalances. Methods: Experiments were conducted at Banda University of Agricultural and Technology, Banda during kharif, 2020 and 2021. To estimate the bio-efficacy of insecticides for the management of M. obtusa in pigeonpea the experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with eight treatments and three replications. Pod and grain damage were assessed and C:B ratio was calculated. Result: First appearance of pod fly was noticed in third standard week. Throughout cropping period highest pod damage was recorded in eighth standard week and lowest pod damage was recorded in twelfth standard week. Emamectin benzoate 5 SG @ 11g a.i./ha + Dimethoate 30 EC @ 300 g a.i./ha was the best treatment as it exhibited minimum pod damage and highest yield.