Efficacy Of Some Biorational Insecticides and Bacillus Thuringiensis Against Caterpillar Complex on Cabbage

Caterpillar complex is the major pest (diamond back moth, cabbage butterfly and tobocco caterpillar) that attack cabbage and reduce marketable yield. In the present study, field efficacy of some biorational insecticides and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) was evaluated individually as well as alternate applications against this caterpillar complex. In individual application method, buprofezin (Award 40SC), spinosad (Libsen 45SC), emamectin benzoate (Suspend 5SG) and Bt were applied in their recommended doses. In alternate applications method, Libsen 45SC, Suspend 5SG and Award 40SC were sprayed at their lower doses after 3 days of Bt application. Data on head infestation (%) and diameter (cm), leaf infestation (%) and area damaged at 5 and 10 DAT (days after treatment), and yield (t/ ha) at harvest were collected. The results reveal that alternate application was found more effective in all the parameters studied, with maximum head yield (t/ ha) and least infestation being observed with Bt alternated (alt) spinosad treated plots. It was followed by spinosad 45SC alone, Bt alt emamectin benzoate 5SG and spinosad 5SG alone. Buprofezin 40SC was found comparatively less effective.