Integration of entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema feltiae with Helicoverpa armigera nuclear polyhedrosis virus for the control of insect pests on vegetable pigeonpea

Studies on the integration of entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernerna feltiae, with Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus of Helicoverpa armigera (HaNPV) for the control of major pests of vegetable pigeonpea revealed a significant reduction in the population of adult beetles, Mylabris pustulata, in treatments incorporating S. feltiae @ 3x10³ infective juveniles/ml plus HaNPV @ 2x10⁶ polyhedral occlusion bodies (POBs) POBs'Iml and endosulfan 0.07% when compared to control. The least population of M. pustulata was observed in nematode plus virus treated plot (2.2) compared to control (8.6). There was a significant reduction in the population of H. armigera in all the treatments. The least population of H. armigera larvae was observed in virus plus nematode treated plot (0.2) compared to control (12.6). Pod damage was significantly lower in virus plus nematode (1.0), virus alone (1.6) and endosulfan (2.8) treated plots. Significant increase in pod yield was obtained in virus plus nematode treatment (5.4 Tonsha) compared to control (1.6 Tonsha).