In vitro studies were carried out at Institute of Rice Research, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, in 2023 to assess the compatibility of biopesticides with chemical pesticides applied at drone and Taiwan sprayer concentrations. The possibility of utilizing both biopesticides and chemical pesticides together with drone for managing major rice insect-pests and diseases was explored. The compatibility of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki with four insecticides (flubendiamide 39.35% SC, chlorantraniliprole 18.50% SC, cartap hydrochloride 50% SP and tetraniliprole 18.18% SC) and Pseudomonas fluorescens with three fungicides (propiconazole 10.7% + tricyclazole 34.2% SE, tebuconazole 50% + trifloxystrobin 25% WG and propiconazole 25% EC) was determined by following the inhibition zone technique on suitable media with sterile filter paper discs. Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki combinations tested with flubendiamide 39.35% SC, chlorantraniliprole 18.50% SC, cartap hydrochloride 50% SP exhibited slight inhibition over control while, tetraniliprole 18.18% SC exhibited high compatibility with B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki without any growth inhibition at both drone and Taiwan sprayer concentrations. Similarly, all the tested fungicides were found compatible with P. fluorescens, displaying negligible growth inhibition compared to the control. Notably, tebuconazole 50% + trifloxystrobin 25% WG showed cent per cent compatibility with no growth inhibition at both drone and Taiwan sprayer concentrations. These findings underscore the potential for seamlessly integrating biopesticides with chemical pesticides, paving the way for effective management of pests and diseases without compromising efficacy, particularly as a pesticide resistance management strategy.
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