Compatibility of foliar application of zinc sulphate with insecticides against wheat aphid

Field and laboratory investigations were conducted to ascertain the compatibility of zinc sulphate ZnSo₄) with insecticides (thiamethoxam and azadiractin) used for aphid control. Aphid mortality in thiamethoxam+ ZnSo₄ sprayed pots (82.56-89.17%) was significantly lower than thiamethoxam treated ones (88.61- 92.48%). Similarly, mortality with azadirachtin+ ZnSo₄ (8.36- 20.04%) was lesser than azadirachtin (23.40- 26.34%). An increase in nymphal period, fecundity, adult longevity and total developmental duration was observed in surviving aphids in azadirachtin+ ZnSo₄ sprayed pots These effects could be possible reasons for reduced efficacy of azadiractin after it’s combination with ZnSo₄ However, grain yield in thiamethoxam and azadirachtin sprayed plots and their combination with ZnSo₄ were statistically similar in field investigations, revealing that these can be favorably deployed due to their field compatibility.