Development and evaluation of integrated pest management module for castor.

Abstract

Field trials were conducted for three years during kharif season of 2014, 2015 and 2016 to evaluate the integrated pest management (IPM) module against major insect pests of castor in comparison with farmer’s practice and untreated control. The results based on pooled data showed that the IPM module found to be the best in reducing the population of tobacco caterpillar (87.82 to 95.23% reduction over untreated control) and capsule borer damage (8.40% capsule damage) as compared to farmer’s practice (58.65 to 71.22% reduction in tobacco caterpillar and 13.63% capsule damage). The IPM module provided 84.95 to 90.71% reduction in semilooper population and 97.17% reduction in leafhopper population and found on par with farmer’s practice (94.19 to 99.11% reduction in semilooper population and 97.81% reduction in leafhopper population). IPM module recorded significantly more number of cocoons of larval parasitoids (Snellenius maculipennis) of semilooper and tobacco caterpillar (Apanteles sp.) as compared to farmer’s practice. IPM module also resulted higher mean seed yield (1409 kg/ha), net returns (Rs. 22573/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.84) as compared with farmer’s practice (seed yield of 1225 kg/ha, net returns of Rs. 17003/ha and benefit cost ratio of 1.66). Hence, the IPM module consisting of application of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki against semilooper, monitoring of S. litura using pheromone trap, collection and destruction of gregarious stages of defoliators, ETL based application of flubendiamide 39.35 SC against lepidopteran defoliators and profenofos 50 EC against capsule borer and leafhopper can be used for effective, economic and eco-friendly management of insect pests in castor.