Field Efficacy of Imidacloprid on Okra Sucking Pest Complex

Field trials were undertaken during late kharif of 2004 and 2005 with okra (Abelmoschus esculentus-var. Pusa Sawani) to evaluate the efficacy of imidacloprid 17.8% SL against sucking pest complex. Imidacloprid @ 80 g ai/ha significantly suppressed whitefly and leafhopper populations, and consequently increased the yield. The maximum yield (508.8 kg/ha, 1188.8 kg/ha) was recorded in imidacloprid (80g ai/ha) followed by its lower dose 40g ai/ha (455.5 kg/ha, 1055.5 kg/ha) during 2004 and 2005, respectively. The results suggest that neonicotinoids are potential alternatives to conventional insecticides and could be used in formulating a successful management strategy for sucking pests in okra.