Efficacy and Economics of Plant Extract and Chemicals Insecticide, against Mustard Aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt)

Abstract

The field experiment conducted at the Student Instructional Farm (SIF), Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology Kanpur during the Rabi season of 2021-2022. The experiment focused on the Indian mustard variety Varuna and included eight treatments, including a control plot. Among the treatments, it was observed that the population of aphids on the top 10 cm apical twigs ranged from 1.23 to 25.56 aphids per plant. The treatment with Thiamethoxam 25 WG @ of 0.2g/liter showed a significantly lower aphid population, with only 1.23 aphids on the top 10 cm central twig per plant compared to the control. Additionally, this treatment resulted in the maximum yield of 18.73q/ha, which was superior to the other treatments. Furthermore, the treatment with Thiamethoxam 25 WG at a rate of 0.2g/liter also showed the highest net income gain of Rs. 54414/ha. The cost-benefit ratio analysis indicated that this treatment ranked first, with a B: C ratio of 1:40.63, suggesting the highest returns on investment. These findings suggest that the application of Thiamethoxam 25 WG at a rate of 0.2g/liter can effectively control aphid populations and enhance the yield and profitability of Indian mustard cultivation.