Abstract
Present investigation was carried out to formulate an effective bio pesticide formulation against two major sucking pests of field crops. Neem oil, surfactant and cassava leaf extract were the three constituents used in the formulations. Major field pests, the papaya mealy bug, Paracoccus marginatus and cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora were selected for the study. A total of six formulations at concentration of 2, 1 and 0.5 were sprayed on mealy bug infested papaya seedlings and aphid infested cowpea plants. The mortality percentage varied according to formulations and 1% formulation F which contained 50 ml neem oil, 30 ml surfactant and 20 ml cassava leaf extract proved to be most effective bio pesticide formulation against these sucking pests. Accordingly, the amount of neem oil required for control of these pests was reduced due to the additive action of other constituents
Highlights
Indian agriculture is the backbone of our economy and India’s crop yield potential suffers loss at a rate of 30 million tons/year [1]
Maintenance of target pests Major sucking pests the papaya mealy bug, P. marginatus and cowpea aphid, A. craccivora were selected for the current investigation
It was observed in the subsequent observations that due to severe leaf burn, the vigour of the plant was lost. Even though both formulations killed all the mealy bugs, they completely failed to penetrate through the waxy coating of the papaya mealy bug which serves as a protection to this pest
Summary
Indian agriculture is the backbone of our economy and India’s crop yield potential suffers loss at a rate of 30 million tons/year [1]. The vital reason for such shortage was the crop or yield loss incurred by various insect pests. Sucking pests including mealy bugs, aphids and whiteflies have ever been a menace to field crops and often severe pest out breaks minimize the crop production. They suck sap from the host and the nutrient deficient host plant become stunted, distorted, yellowish, and show reduced vigor and premature loss of leaves [2,3]. Infestation can inflict indirect damage to the host by transmitting pathogens, an array of viruses [4,5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
