Efficacy of plant oils against safflower aphid (Uroleucon compositae T.)

The oils from karanj (Pongamia pinnata), neem (Azadiracta indica), castor (Recinus communis), linseed (Linum usitatissimum), ground nut (Arachis hypogaea), mustard (Brassica juncea) and sesame (Sesamum indicum) were compared for their pesticide properties against safflower aphid (Uroleucon compositae T.). The lowest average aphid population was recorded due to the treatment with karanj oil which was statistically at par with neem and castor oils. Karanj oil was thus found effective in checking safflower aphid resulting in highest seed yield (914.76 kg/ha) followed by neem oil (776.48 kg/ha) and castor oil (637.15 kg/ha).