Management of shoot and fruit borer (Earias vittella Fabricius) on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “To study the efficacy of chemical insecticides against okra shoot and fruit borer Earias vittella (Fab.)” was conducted during Kharif 2024 at the experimental farm, Department of Entomology, Post Graduate Institute, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri. The study aimed evaluate the efficacy and economic performance of selected insecticides against the pest under field conditions. Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC was the most effective treatment, recording the lowest fruit infestation (4.32% on number basis and 4.12% on weight basis) and was statistically at par with Flubendiamide 39.35% SC (5.35% and 5.00%) and Emamectin benzoate 5% SG @ 0.27 g/l (6.05% and 5.74%). The remaining treatments showed moderate to higher infestation levels (10.12-21.70% on number basis), while the untreated control recorded the highest infestation (37.59% on number basis and 39.25% on weight basis). Correspondingly, the highest marketable fruit yield was obtained with Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (12.34 t/ha), followed by Flubendiamide 39.35% SC (11.97 t/ha) and Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (11.78 t/ha). Yield increase over the untreated control ranged from 10.61% to 48.85%, indicating a direct relationship between pest control and crop productivity. Economic analysis in terms of Incremental Cost-Benefit Ratio (ICBR) revealed that Emamectin benzoate 5% SG achieved the highest ICBR of 1:21.8, followed by Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (1:18.22) and Flubendiamide 39.35% SC (1:15.30).