Effect of Sowing Dates and Nitrogen Levels on the Incidence of Bihar Hairy Caterpillar, Spilosoma obliqua (Walker) in Sesame

The study was undertaken to assess the incidence of Bihar hairy caterpillar (Spilosoma obliqua) on sesame (Sesamum indicum) in different sowing dates at varying levels of nitrogen. The results revealed that sowing of sesame with the application of 120 kg N/ha created favourable conditions for multiplication of insect. The grain yield increased significantly with increased levels of nitrogen up to 90 kg N/ha. Sesame sown on June 20 with the application of 90 kg N/ha was found optimum.