Field Efficacy Research Articles

Revolutionizing agriculture: Innovative bioinoculant formulation technologies for sustainability

Microbes are essential for sustainable agriculture, helping to reduce dependency on harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Researchers are actively seeking solutions as researchers become increasingly aware of the adverse effects of urbanization and population growth. Studies on plant disease management highlight the benefits of biocontrol agents and biofertilizers for enhancing plant growth and development alongside their delivery mechanisms. While laboratory formulations show potential, their effectiveness often diminishes in field applications due to a lack of understanding of delivery systems. A comprehensive examination of the entire bioformulation process-from isolating beneficial microorganisms to production-is necessary. Various bioformulations exist, each with distinct advantages and limitations. Innovative formulation strategies are being explored to extend shelf life and improve delivery efficiency, enhancing field productivity and reducing environmental impact. The interplay between bioformulation technology and precision agriculture further emphasizes opportunities for optimizing resource use and minimizing costs. A key challenge remains in developing advanced bioformulation technologies that yield environmentally safe, user-friendly products with optimal field performance, ultimately replacing harmful chemicals. This review critically evaluates the latest developments in formulation types, field efficacy and the factors hindering widespread adoption.

Characterisation of Pseudomonas coleopterorum, a new pathogen causing bacterial leaf spot on common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) in Iran

ABSTRACT Weeds are known as the most important pests of crops. The use of biological methods for weed control has numerous advantages, such as its ability to positively affect ecosystems and human health through the reduction of harmful herbicide residues in soil, water, and crops. After the occurrence of leaf spot symptoms in common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.) weed in northwestern Iran, the bacterial agents were isolated to obtain species with bioherbicide potential. Based on phenotypic and biochemical characteristics, as well as 16SrRNA and RNA polymerase subunit D (rpoD) genes sequencing, the causative bacteria were identified as Pseudomonas coleopterorum. The aggressive isolates (9N and 6N) were able to cause severe leaf-spotting lesions and tissue necrosis in common cocklebur, but they were not able to cause symptoms in the main crops in the region. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf spot disease and the bioherbicidal potential of P. coleopterorum against common cocklebur in the world. In conclusion, these bacterial strains have the potential to be used in the integrated management of common cocklebur. However, before the potential of these bacterial strains as commercial bioherbicides could be realised, research into their field efficacy and environmental safety is necessary.

Corrigendum: Field efficacy of urease inhibitors for mitigation of ammonia emissions in agricultural field settings: a systematic review

Corrigendum: Field efficacy of urease inhibitors for mitigation of ammonia emissions in agricultural field settings: a systematic review

Glycerol-silica/chitosan conjugated self-assembled nano-flower framework for Herstulla thompsoni delivery with effectiveness in natural settings: Optimization and pilot scale production

Hirsutulla thompsoni (HTS) is an entomopathogenic fungus (EPF), a secure and efficient substitute for synthetic insecticides. However, its susceptibility to degradation in conventional formulations limits its practical use for agricultural practices. In light of current setbacks, this work proposes using a glycerol-silica/chitosan nanoflower gel (NFG) as an efficient delivery system to enhance the efficacy of HTS. Inspired by glycerol-silica-chitosan conjugation, NFG self-assembles into flowers. The HTS-loaded nanoflower gel (HTS_NFG) features a flower-shaped morphology, an average size of 232 nm, and a zeta potential of +31.84mv. The laboratory-scale NFG is optimized with ingredients and process factors using multivariate principal component analysis (PCA), which progressed to pilot size 10 kg/shift. The notable foliage retention attributable to chitosan and lower contact angle was achievable on the hydrophobic leaf surface. The result of foliage retention and contact angle obtained showed a significant effect of NFG (p < 0.05). HTS_NFG was comparatively safer towards Chlorella spp. algae and Artemia salina, significant from other treatments (p < 0.05). Field efficacy evaluation demonstrated that the NFG was as effective as the reference sample against aphids. With its proven effectiveness, the NFG may be an aesthetic, sustainable, and feasible alternative for agro-production.

Field Efficacy of Fungicides for the Management of Rice Neck Blast (Caused by Pyricularia oryzae) in the North‐Western Region of Haryana, India

ABSTRACTNeck blast is one of the most damaging fungal disease of rice, causing severe yield losses in the North‐Western region of Haryana, India. Due to the lack of resistant cultivars commonly grown in Haryana, the management of the disease has relied predominantly on the foliar application of fungicides. Therefore, this study evaluated the field efficacy of various fungicides against rice neck blast in the North‐Western region of Haryana, India, over the kharif seasons of 2020, 2021 and 2022. Fungicides were applied twice per season, at panicle emergence and 10 days later. Among the seven fungicides tested, isoprothiolane 40% EC, propineb 70% WP and difenoconazole 25% EC significantly reduced neck blast severity by 63.2%, 55.2% and 47.3% in 2020; 60.6%, 51.4% and 47.4% in 2021; and 70.0%, 64.9% and 62.5% in 2022, respectively with corresponding reductions in area under disease progress curve values compared with the untreated control. The highest grain yield was recorded for isoprothiolane 40% EC, followed by propineb 70% WP and difenoconazole 25% EC. The greatest increase in grain yield was observed in kharif 2020, whereas the lowest yield in kharif 2022 was associated with moderate total rainfall (284 mm) and high average relative humidity (94.4%) following the appearance of neck blast. These results suggest that these fungicides are effective in reducing rice neck blast and enhancing grain yield in the North‐Western region of Haryana, India.

Antifungal Activity of Rhizosphere Bacillus Isolated from Ziziphus jujuba Against Alternaria alternata.

The serious impact of Alternaria alternata on jujube black spot disease has seriously affected the quality and yield of jujube, constraining the sustainable development of the jujube industry. The purpose of this study was to isolate and screen highly effective biocontrol strains of jujube black spot disease from jujube rhizosphere soil. Thirty-three soil samples were collected from four regions in southern Xinjiang. The strains with antagonistic effects were isolated and screened by the dilution spread method and plate confrontation method and identified by morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics, as well as 16S rDNA, gyrB, and rpoB gene sequences. Indoor and field efficacy experiments were conducted to determine their biocontrol effect. A total of 110 strains with antibacterial activity were selected, and one strain, Bacillus velezensis 26-8, with a stable antagonistic effect was further tested. Biological characteristic experiments showed that strain 26-8 could grow at NaCl concentrations of 0.5-10% and pH 4.0-9.0. The biocontrol experiment results showed that Bacillus velezensis 26-8 could achieve an 89.83% control effect against black spot disease. In conclusion, strain 26-8 has good salt and alkali tolerance, exerts a good control effect on jujube black spot disease, and is worthy of further study.

The V410L kdr allele in the VGSC confers higher levels of field resistance to permethrin in urban mosquito populations of Aedes aegypti (L.).

Females of Aedes aegypti transmit emerging arboviruses including Zika, dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya. Control of these adult mosquitoes heavily relies on synthetic insecticides, including pyrethroids. However, insecticide resistance development in populations poses a significant challenge to vector control, particularly from knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC), the target of pyrethroids. This study investigated the field efficacy of Permanone, a pyrethroid-based insecticide, against Ae. aegypti by assessing the impact of three common kdr mutations (V410L, V1016I, F1534C) on mosquito survival under a real operational mosquito control scenario, by quantifying the pesticide delivered in the field. Field cage tests (FCTs) were conducted while conducting a realistic mosquito control application. Female mosquitoes from six operational areas from Harris County, TX, USA were exposed to Permanone delivered with a handheld sprayer. Permanone deposited near the cages was estimated from aluminum boats placed in the field during FCTs using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Mortality rates were recorded, and individual mosquitoes were genotyped for kdr mutations. A probit regression model was used to analyze the factors influencing mosquito survivorship. As the distance from the application source route increased, the amount of Permanone deposited decreased, resulting in higher survivorship frequency of Ae. aegypti females with the triple-resistant kdr genotype (LL/II/CC). The L allele at the 410-site significantly contributed to an increased resistance level when co-occurring with other kdr mutations. This study linked the survival probabilities of mosquitoes with different kdr genotypes, and the amount of pesticide they received in the field. Pesticide quantification, control efficacy results and genotyping allowed us to empirically determine the impact of genotypic resistance on vector control in the field. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Efficacy of Magnetic Field on Risk of Falling and Bone Mineral Density in Elderly Osteoporotic Women

Background: Osteoporosis, a prevalent condition affecting equally women and men, has been marked by reduced bone mass and structural degeneration. PEMFs promote bone formation, reduce inflammation, and improve bone remodeling by boosting osteoblast development and differentiation. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field on bone mineral density and risk of falling in old women with osteoporosis. Methods: The study included sixty older women with osteoporosis. The subjects were separated into two groups: 30 in each one. Group A received pulsed electromagnetic field and closed chain exercise; and group B received the closed chain exercises. Results: A statistically significant improvement in the study group compared to the control group with percentage of improvement in femur BMD, lumbar BMD, risk of falling, BBS, ALP, VAS for L.L, VAS for back and OQLQ by 27.71 %, 27.84 %, 21.86 %, 21.64 %, 31.29 %, 54.06 %, 53.01 % and 33.45 % respectively. Conclusion: Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field (PEMF) is a significant intervention, and it is recommended to be a part of physical therapy &amp; rehabilitation protocols of elderly osteoporotic women.

Biological and population parameters of Telenomus remus and Trichogramma atopovirilia as biological control agents for Spodopterafrugiperda

Maize production faces a significant threat from Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) worldwide; historically, Trichogramma pretiosum Riley has served as the primary augmentative egg parasitoid for its biological control. However, since 2004, Telenomus remus Nixon has emerged as a viable global alternative. On a regional scale, in Mexico, Trichogramma atopovirilia (Oatman & Platner) was theorized to outperform T. pretiosum, proving superior in both laboratory and field conditions in 2020. To further the field efficacy of the augmentative use of parasitoids as biological agents of S. frugiperda, we conducted comparisons of biological and population parameters under laboratory-controlled conditions to determine whether T. remus would be more effective than T. atopovirilia, the best Trichogramma parasitoid in Mexico for S. frugiperda. We found that the former parasitoid had statistically significant longer female and male longevity, as well as a higher proportion of female offspring, and greater numerical values in net reproduction rate, intrinsic rate of increase, and finite rate of increase, but no differences were found in the number of days required for both parasitoids to develop from egg to female or egg to male, as well as in the mean generation time and doubling time. Under the conditions of these trials, T. remus had a 47.02% greater intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and may thus be a more effective biological control agent for S. frugiperda than T. atopovirilia. However, these biological and population parameter comparisons are the first execution worldwide; further studies are needed to validate these promising T. remus results.

Synthesis, Properties, and Mechanistic Release-Kinetics Modeling of Biochar-Based Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizers and Their Field Efficacy

Synthesis, Properties, and Mechanistic Release-Kinetics Modeling of Biochar-Based Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizers and Their Field Efficacy

Susceptibility of Aphis craccivora (Hemiptera: Aphididae) to three entomopathogenic Fusarium species

The black aphid (Aphis craccivora) is an insect pest that can cause significant losses to different agricultural crops. Entomopathogenic fungi can be good options for controlling this insect. Fusarium species have shown promising results in the biological control of several agricultural pests, mainly of the order Hemiptera. This study investigated the susceptibility of A. craccivora to 27 Fusarium isolates, distributed among F. sulawesiense (4), F. pernambucanum (6) and F. caatingaense (17). The viability of the conidia of all isolates was assessed by measuring their germination rate. Pathogenicity tests were conducted at 10⁷ conidia/mL, and the best-performing isolate was further tested at different concentrations (10⁴ to 10⁸ conidia/mL). Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Tukey's test at 5 %, and R for calculating lethal times (LT50,90) and lethal concentrations (LC50,90). All isolates had viable conidia with germination rates between 92.67 % and 100 %. Mortality rates ranged from 17.22 % to 90.23 %. F. pernambucanum URM 7559 had the shortest lethal times (LT50 of 2.24 days and LT90 of 4.42 days), followed by F. sulawesiense URM 7555 (LT50 of 2.35 days and LT90 of 4.77 days) and F. caatingaense with LT50 of 3.93 days for URM 6784 and LT90 of 8.27 days for URM 6807. The three Fusarium species tested, especially F. pernambucanum, showed promise in the biological control of A. craccivora. Although the results are promising, additional studies are needed to evaluate the safety, field efficacy and environmental impacts of Fusarium use, focusing on the interaction with the agricultural ecosystem and the risks to non-target organisms.

Field Efficacy of Insecticide Molecules Against Pod Borer Complex in Vegetable Field Bean

Field Efficacy of Insecticide Molecules Against Pod Borer Complex in Vegetable Field Bean

Field Efficacy of Anticoagulant Rodenticide Towards Managing Rodent Pests in Jitra Rice Field, Kedah, Malaysia.

Frequent encounters with the greater bandicoot rats (Bandicota indica) following high rodent damage towards rice crops and lack of information on the species had encouraged this study to be conducted to test the relevance of using first- and second-generation rodenticide in a field efficacy test. This study also attempts to detect any sign of resistance of current rodent pest populations towards chlorophacinone (0.005%) and flucoumafen (0.05%) for the control of field rats predominant rice field agrosystem of the Kedah in northern peninsular Malaysia. Six different treatments over dry and wet rice planting season together with trapping exercise. The observation was evaluated based on the number of active burrows, counting tiller damage due to rodent attack and trapping index. The results indicated that flucoumafen gives better rodent control and has a better impact (p < 0.05) although chlorophacinone is still relevant to be applied (p < 0.05). Treatments during the off-planting season (September-February) are more effective compared to the main planting season (March-August). Rodent control during the early off-planting season is encouraged for better rodent management in the rice field and the use of bait stations to increase the weatherability of the baits.

Meeting Report: Controlled Human Influenza Virus Infection Model Studies: Current Status and Future Directions for Innovation.

On November 13-14, 2023, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in partnership with the Task Force for Global Health, Flu Lab, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention convened a meeting on controlled human influenza virus infection model (CHIVIM) studies to review the current research landscape of CHIVIM studies and to generate actionable next steps. Presentations and panel discussions highlighted CHIVIM use cases, regulatory and ethical considerations, innovations, networks and standardization, and the utility of using CHIVIM in vaccine development. This report summarizes the presentations, discussions, key takeaways, and future directions for innovations in CHIVIMs. Experts agreed that CHIVIM studies can be valuable for the study of influenza infection, immune response, and transmission. Furthermore, they may have utility in the development of vaccines and other medical countermeasures; however, the use of CHIVIMs to de-risk clinical development of investigational vaccines should employ a cautious approach. Endpoints in CHIVIM studies should be tailored to the specific use case. CHIVIM studies can provide useful supporting data for vaccine licensure but are not required and do not obviate the need for the conduct of field efficacy trials. Future directions in this field include the continued expansion of capacity to conduct CHIVIM studies, development of a broad panel of challenge viruses and assay reagents and standards that can be shared, streamlining of manufacturing processes, the exploration of targeted delivery of virus to the lower respiratory tract, efforts to more closely replicate natural influenza disease in CHIVIM, alignment on a definition of breadth to facilitate development of more broadly protective/universal vaccine approaches, and continued collaboration between stakeholders.

Field Efficacy of Botanicals against Sucking Pests in Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] under Organic Cultivation

Investigations were carried out at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during kharif, 2022-23 and 2023-24 for evaluation of various botanicals on the incidence of sucking pests viz., aphid, thrips, leaf hopper and pod bug in pigeonpea. Among the botanicals treatment, NSKE @ 5 per cent + cow urine @ 10 per cent recorded significantly minimum 1.91 aphid per 10 cm shoot, 3.54 thrips per flower, 2.27 leaf hopper per 3 leaves and 1.93 pod bug per plant. The highest yield was obtained in the treatment of NSKE @ 5 per cent + cow urine @ 10 per cent (1300 kg/ha) and it was at par with NSKE @ 5 per cent (1282 kg/ha) and dashparniark @ 10 per cent (1258 kg/ha). The maximum increase in yield over control (76.07%) was obtained in NSKE @ 5 per cent + cow urine @ 10 per cent. The minimum avoidable losses (1.41%) and highest PCBR (1:16.12) was observed in the plot treated with NSKE @ 5 per cent.

Barley yellow dwarf virus in winter barley: Control in light of resistance issues and loss of neonicotinoid insecticides

AbstractBarley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) is the most widespread viral disease of cereal crops vectored by aphids, causing stunting of the crop and significant yield loss. Management recommendations for autumn sown cereals has centred on the timely control of aphid vectors, particularly their management before the crop has reached Growth Stage 31 (stem elongation). In recent years two separate but related issues have emerged, (i) the detection of pyrethroid resistance in a single Sitobion avenae SA3 clone and (ii) the withdrawal of neonicotinoid insecticide seed dressing; widely used to manage aphids in the early development of cereal crops. A series of replicated field studies were conducted from 2016 to 2019 to ascertain if the pyrethroid insecticide is still effective in light of the SA3 clones' presence in aphid populations and if withdrawal of neonicotinoid seed dressings has negatively affected aphid management. Both disease levels and yields confirmed that the neonicotinoid, clothianidin, applied as a seed treatment significantly contributed to the management of BYDV in the different trials investigated. Results of this study demonstrate application of a foliar (lambda‐cyhalothrin or a sulfoxaflor) insecticide has a significant positive impact on yield. Foliar pyrethroid insecticides were as effective in protecting yield from BYDV as the neonicotinoid seed treatments. In the absence of neonicotinoid seed dressing, alternative insecticides still offer protection for winter barley crops against the aphid vectors of BYDV and associated yield loss. Furthermore, the presence of a pyrethroid resistant Sitobion avenae SA3 clone had no observable impact on field efficacy of the pyrethroid insecticide, lambda‐cyhalothrin in these trials. However, this needs continuous monitoring because of potential further increases in resistance levels or emergence of additional resistance mechanisms, which could render pyrethroid insecticides ineffective.

Chlorantraniliprole resistance associated with diamondback moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) outbreaks in Arizona Brassica crops.

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus), isone of the most important insect pests of Brassica crops worldwide. In October 2016, outbreaks of an invasive P. xylostella population and unexpected control failures occurred on broccoli and cauliflower crops throughout all vegetable-growing regions in Arizona. Nineteen populations of Plutella xylostella were collected from 2016 to 2021 from various commercial cauliflower fields in Yuma and Scottsdale, Arizona, and from experimental broccoli plots at the University of Arizona, Yuma Agricultural Center (UAYAC), Yuma, Arizona. Populations collected from the commercial cauliflower fields had been transplanted with seedlings produced in a local Yuma nursery in 2016 and Salinas, CA in 2017 to 2018, whereas experimental broccoli plots were direct seeded. These populations were evaluated for their susceptibility to chlorantraniliprole, spinetoram, emamectin benzoate, and cyantraniliprole. In this study, field rate laboratory bioassays, serial dilution laboratory bioassays, and field efficacy spray experiments were performed. The field rate laboratory bioassay results showed that spinetoram, emamectin benzoate, and cyantraniliprole remained effective at controlling P. xylostella, but chlorantraniliprole did not control P. xylostella at the field rate. Additionally, serial dilution bioassays confirmed significant levels of cyantraniliprole and chlorantraniliprole resistance in the P. xylostella populations collected from transplanted cauliflower fields. However, the results of the multiyear/growing-seasons study monitoring the susceptibility of P. xylostella populations collected from direct-seeded broccoli and field efficacy trials conducted at the UAYAC indicated that the resistance to diamide insecticides was neither uniform nor persistent following the 2016 outbreak. Nevertheless, the risk for P. xylostella resistance in Arizona vegetable-growing regions exists, particularly in Brassica transplants. Therefore, we recommend that Arizona Brassica growers remain vigilant and practice rigorous insecticide resistance management to offset the development of resistance.

Field efficacy of urease inhibitors for mitigation of ammonia emissions in agricultural field settings: a systematic review

Globally, ammonia (NH3) is one of the key air pollutants and reducing NH3 emissions and the associated indirect emission of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide remains challenging for the agricultural sector. During the past three decades, a number of urease inhibitors have been placed on the market with the goal of reducing NH3 loss from urea containing fertilisers. N–(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT), N–(2-nitrophenyl) phosphoric triamide (2-NPT), a 3:1 ratio of NBPT + N-(n-propyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NPPT) and the maleic and itaconic acid co-polymer (MIP) are registered urease inhibitors under the European Commission Fertilising Products Regulation (FPR). However, the availability of several inhibitor options has raised questions from farmers, policymakers and emissions inventory compiling authorities regarding the field efficacy of the different options available for reducing NH3 loss. Despite many disparate NH3 field studies existing for NBPT, 2-NPT, NBPT + NPPT and MIP there is presently no review that brings these results together, a significant and important knowledge gap. This review addresses the gap by summarising the published field trial literature on NH3 volatilisation mitigation offered by NBPT, 2-NPT, NBPT + NPPT and MIP. Our review identified 48 peer reviewed studies where NH3 loss mitigation was measured in a field setting, giving 256 replicated comparisons. The synthesised literature results revealed that NBPT + NPPT reduced NH3 loss by 75% (95% CI = 58–82% n = 32), 2-NPT reduced NH3 loss by 70% (95% CI = 63–76% n = 19) and NBPT reduced NH3 loss by 61% (95% CI = 57–64% n = 165), giving on average a 69% reduction by these three urease inhibitors. In contrast, MIP increased NH3 loss by 0.3% on average (95% CI = −8–9% n = 40). The results presented in this review broaden the understanding of urease inhibitor efficacy in field conditions and demonstrate that not all products behave the same in terms of field NH3 reduction efficacy. This review is important for farmers, policymakers, emission inventory compilers and other stakeholders.

Field evaluation of symbiont-targeted control of Halyomorpha halys in hazelnut crop

Halyomorpha halys has emerged as one of the most damaging pests for hazelnut production. Due to the continuous reduction of available options for chemical control, alternative strategies are required. A promising and sustainable alternative is the use of symbiont-targeted control. Treatment of the egg surface with a biocomplex containing copper, zinc, and citric acid has been shown to effectively prevent the acquisition of the endosymbiont ‘Candidatus Pantoea carbekii’ by H. halys nymphs, resulting in high nymph mortality under laboratory conditions. The aim of this work was to assess the field efficacy of treatments targeting the H. halys symbiont in hazelnut orchards to optimize spray applications. Treatments with the anti-symbiont biocomplex were performed in an orchard infested with H. halys during 2022 and 2023. To assess product efficacy, H. halys egg masses were glued on cardboard tags and hung on different positions of plants canopy before the treatments. The wetting percentage of egg masses according to the position of the egg on the plant canopy was measured; eggs were then reared to evaluate nymphal mortality after hatching. Symbiont acquisition was measured by quantitative PCR. A preliminary test to set the spraying conditions revealed that a higher fan speed induced higher mortality of the newborns from treated egg masses, although it did not affect the wetting rate of cardboards. In addition, cardboard tags hung in the central part of the canopy and those closer to the sprayer showed the highest egg coverage, whereas those in the peripheral row were less covered. However, nymphal mortality was not correlated with the percentage of cardboard tags coverage, although it was correlated with symbiont acquisition. A significant reduction in the percentage of damaged hazelnuts was observed in the treated plot compared to an untreated control, confirming the efficacy of symbiont-targeted control in hazelnut orchards.

Field Efficacy of Insecticides for Management of Lepidopteran Pests in Cashew

Efficacy of different insecticides against lepidopteran pests of cashew were tested at Dr. YSRHU- Cashew Research Station, Bapatla, AICRP on Cashew during 2015-16 to 2021-22. Among the insecticides lamda-cyhalothrin 5 EC @ 0.6 ml/l was found effective in managing the foliage and floral pests such as, leaf and blossom webber, leaf miner, shoot tip caterpillar, apple and nut borer followed by Dr. YSR Horticultural University package of practices (POP) i.e. monocrotophos 36 SL @ 1.6 ml/l during the flushing stage, chlorpyrifos 20 EC @ 2.0 ml/l during the flowering stage and profenophos 50 EC @ 1.0 ml/l during the apple and nut development stage. Further, the spider population was observed to be highest in untreated check and Beauveria bassiana treatments compared to insecticidal treatments.