Evaluation of Selected Insecticides against Pod Borer, Helicoverpa armigera and Productivity, Profitability Analysis in Bengal Gram

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important pulse crop in India but suffers severe yield losses due to the pod borer Helicoverpa armigera. Chemical control remains common, yet indiscriminate use affects natural enemies and profitability. Hence, field- based evaluation of eco-compatible insecticidal options under integrated pest management (IPM) is essential for sustainable productivity.

Frontline demonstrations (FLDs) were conducted for three consecutive rabi seasons (2020-21, 2021–22 and 2022–23) on farmers’ fields in Ananthapuramu district Andhra Pradesh. The IPM module consisted of Spinosad 45 SC (0.3 mL L^-1) and Profenophos 40% + Cypermethrin 4% EC (2 mL L^-1), evaluated against an untreated control across 10 farmer-participatory plots. Larval populations of H. armigera and natural enemies were recorded before and after spraying and the data were analysed using randomized block design (RBD) with Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT). Economic indicators, adoption and yield gap indices and phytotoxicity effects were assessed following standard protocols.

The trials revealed that Spinosad 45 SC (0.3 mL L^-1) was significantly more effective than Profenophos 40% + Cypermethrin 4% EC (2 mL L^-1) in suppressing H. armigera populations, recording 70.84%-84.03% reduction compared to 19.00%-21.88% under the latter treatment. Both insecticides were found to be safe for the key natural predators Cheilomenes sexmaculata and Coccinella septempunctata. Demonstration plots under IPM recorded higher grain yields (23.75-24.23 q ha^-1) and net returns (` 79,026- ` 1,05,646 ha^-1) compared to farmer practices (19.95-21.18 q ha^-1; ` 52,033<sup>-1</sup> ` 70,691 ha^-1). The benefit-cost ratio also improved markedly from 0.89-1.07 under traditional practices to 1.74-1.75 under IPM. These results clearly demonstrate the superiority of Spinosad-based IPM modules in enhancing productivity, profitability and ecological safety in Bengal gram cultivation.