Efficacy of Newer Insecticides and Bioagents Against Sucking Pests of Okra

Bioefficacy studies were carried out with some newer insecticides (Diafenthiuron 50 WP @ 200, 250, 300 and 600g a.i/ha, Imidacloprid 17.5 SL., Thiamethoxam 25 SG and Fenpropathrin 30% EC), fungal biocontrol agents (Beauveria bassiana, Lecanicillium lecanii and their combination) and NSKE 5% against sucking pests viz., jassid, whitefly and aphids in okra. The treatment Diafenthiuron 50WP @ 600g a.i/ha showed highest mortality of sucking pests followed by Imidacloprid 17.85 SL @ 20 g a.i/ha, Diafenthiuron 50WP @ 300g a.i/ha and 250g a.i/ha. Among the biological agents, B. bassiana 1500g/ha was found to be effective against jassids followed by L. lecanii 5000g/ha. L.lecanii 5000g/ha was found to be effective against aphids followed by the combination L. lecanii 2500g/ha + B. bassiana 750 g/ha. For whiteflies, NSKE 5% was found to be effective followed by L. lecanii 5000g/ha. The biocontrol agents and NSKE were found safer to the natural enemies and Imidacloprid 17.85 SL @ 20 g a.i/ha was moderately safer. However, Diafenthiuron 50WP @ 600g a.i/ha was highly toxic to spiders. Among the various tested doses of Diafenthiuron 50WP, 300g a.i/ha can be suggested as the best dose for sucking pest management based on pest mortality and safety to natural enemies.