​Efficacy of Biopesticides against Pod Bug, Clavigralla gibbosa Spinola (Heteroptera; Coreidae) in Pigeonpea

Abstract

Background: Pigeonpea is the major pulse crop of India. In reproductive stage pigeonpea is exposed to biotic pests causing damage to flowers, pods and grains. Pod bugs, Clavigralla gibbosa Spinola are one of the major biotic constraints in reducing productivity of pigeonpea. Nymphs and adults suck the sap from pods and cause loss of seed yield. Chemical residues will remain in the grains affecting health of the consumer. Eco-friendly molecules are best alternatives to manage pod bugs. Methods: Efficacy test of biopesticides viz., Lecanicillium lecanii, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, NSKE 5%, Neemazol 1% and Sasyarakshak against C. gibbosa was conducted in pigeonpea during Kharif 2017-18 and 2018-19 at Agricultural Research Station, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India under field conditions with seven treatments including control in three replications. Two sprays were taken at tender pod stage and population was recorded. Pod damage and grain damage was assessed at harvest. Result: NSKE 5% was superior in reducing pod bug population, pod damage and grain damage followed by L. lecanii and neemazol 1%. M. anisopliae was found to be ineffective in reducing the population, pod damage and grain damage. The average grain yield of 1229.10 kg/ha was highest in NSKE 5% followed by L. lecanii (1223.48 kg/ha) and neemazol 1% (1199.53 kg/ha). The B:C was 2.45 in NSKE 5% and 2.43 in L. lecanii were higher than other treatments. Therefore, these two biopesticides can be used for effective management of pod bug in pigeonpea.