Effect of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam treated stored seeds on sucking pests in Sunflower

Field trial consisted of six insecticidal treatments and six storage periods, wherein the seeds were stored in polythene bag of 700 gauge under ambient conditions. The seed treatments with imidacloprid 600 FS @ 10 ml/kg seeds, imidacloprid 70 WS @ 5 g/kg seeds, thiamethoxam 35 FS @ 10 ml/kg seeds and thiamethoxam 70 WS @ 5 g/kg seeds and one spray with imidacloprid 200 SL (0.25 ml/l) at 22 days after sowing proved their superiority over the untreated check and controlled the sucking pests during early stage of the crop (i.e. up to 45-55 days after sowing). The treated seeds could be stored for two, five and three months without losing any efficacy against thrips, leafhoppers and whiteflies, respectively. However, significantly highest gross and net returns were recorded in imidacloprid 600 FS @ 10 ml/kg seeds followed by thiamethoxam 70 WS @ 5 g/kg of seeds and the latter treatment was on par with thiamethoxam 35 FS @ 10 ml/kg of seeds and imidacloprid 70 WS @ 5 g/kg seeds. One month stored seeds recorded significantly higher gross returns and net profit as compared to any of the other storage periods. Significantly highest gross returns and net profit were recorded in imidacloprid 600 FS @ 10 ml/kg seeds stored for one month as compared to any of the treatment combinations. High cost benefit ratio was recorded in imidacloprid 600 FS @ 10 ml/kg seeds (3.01) followed by thiamethoxam 70 WS @ 5 g/kg seeds (2.91).