Neo-nicotinoids: A biorational approach for managing sucking insect-pests of Groundnut

The bio-efficacy of three neo-nicotinoids viz., imidacloprid 17.8 SL, acetamiprid 20 SP and thiamethoxam 25 WG was determined against leafhoppers and thrips compared with two organo-phosphates; profenofos 40 EC and monocrotophos 36 SL, and a carbamate insecticide, carbosulfan 25 EC. The treatments were imposed as one or two sprays at 30 days after emergence (DAE) and at 30 and 45 DAE, respectively. A modified sweep net method was followed to record the population of leafhopper and thrips. Single spray of neonicotinoids, acetamiprid 20 SP @ 0.5 g L⁻¹ or imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.4 mL L⁻¹ or thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 0.4 g L⁻¹ at 30 DAE was found effective in reducing leafhopper population whereas, two sprays of any of the three neo-nicotinoids at 30 and 45 DAE was found effective in reducing thrips population.