Pesticide Research Centre, Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbani, Maharashtra
A field trial was conducted during Kharif 1982–83 at the Research Farm, Marathwada Agriculture University, Parbhani. Bioefficacy of acephate (Orthene 75 S.P.) a new organo-phosphate insecticide, was evaluated for the control of cotton bollworm complex in comparison with the recommended insecticides like carbaryl, endosulfan and monocrotophos. The results indicated that acephate @ 525 g a.i./ha sprayed four times at 15 days interval, starting from 60 days after sowing was equally effective in reducing the bollworm damage as that of recom-mended insecticides. The avoidable loss and cost-benelt ratio for different treatments were worked out. Highest cost-benefit ratio of 6.39 was recorded for carbaryl applied @ 750 g a.i./ha., followed by endosulfan and acephate @ 525 g a.i./ha., respectively.