Efficacy of bio-pesticides and entomopathogenic nematodes against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)

Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae) is highly polyphagous and destructive pest causing serious damage to various crops. Studies conducted on efficacy of entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae and bio-pesticides against H. armigera. It was evaluated at five inoculum levels i.e., 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 IJs against H. armigera. Among these IJs, 100 percent mortality occurred at 500IJs within 72 hrs. In comparative efficacy bio-pesticides and entomopathogenic nematodes were tested against pod borer, out of which the Emamectin benzoate 5SG @ 0.4 g/l was found more efficient with highest per cent mortality (100 %) within 72 hours followed by EPNs (500IJs) which caused 100 per cent mortality after 96 hrs of application. In management of lepidopteran insects, failure of chemical insecticides has increased by posing problems due to indiscriminate use of pesticides. This created the momentum saying the urge in shifting to environmental friendly agricultural practices. So we can include the bio-pesticides and entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae, in place of chemical pesticides which could give eco-friendly fields to future.