Comparative Efficacy and Economics of Synthetic Pyrethroids in the Management of Pod Borer Complex of Pigeonpea

Four synthetic pyrethroids and two conventional insecticides in two schedules each (3 sprays and 2 sprays) were tested against pod borer complex of pigeonpea at the Regional Research Station, Chiplima during rainy seasons of 1988 and 1989. Cypertmehrin in three sprays schedule was most effective against the pod borer and pod fly, followed by decamethrin and fenvalerate. Conventional insecticide endosul-fan was equally effective and most beneficial with highest cost-benefit ratio of 1:10.9 and 1:10.7 in two and three spray schedules, respectively. Quinalphos proved effective against pod fly in both the schedules.