Evaluation of potent insecticides against podfly (Melanagromyza obtusa) and its parasitoids in late pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.)

The most commonly used insecticides were evaluated for their performance against podfly (Melanagromyza obtusa Malloch) and its parasitoids in late sown pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.). The data based on the two successive cropping seasons (2000–2002) revealed that profenophos and dimethoate were potential insecticides against podfly and also relatively safer to parasitoids. The neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) proved to be the safest to parasitoids being at par with untreated check but was not effective to contain podfly population compared to synthetic insecticides. Endosulfan and monocrotophos were found toxic to the parasitoids exhibiting a significant reduction (8.3 to 9.9%) in parasitization against untreated check (19.9%).