Efficacy of Bacilus thuringiensis Against Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella in Cauliflower

Investigations were carried out to assess the efficacy of Bacillus tthuringiensis (Bt), its effect on yield and economic viability over pesticides against diamondback moth (Plutella ×ylostella (L) in Orissa, India. Bt 1250gm/ha proved to be most effective treatment against the pest followed by dichlorvos 76EC @ 760 g ai/ha, endosulfan 35EC @ 350 g ai/ha, quinalphos 25EC @ 250g ai/ha. The yield parameters viz., diameter and weight of curd and yield was on par with the efficacy and highest yield of 168.4 q ha⁻¹ obtained in case of Bt and lowest in case of cypermethrin of 130.4 q/ha. There was an increase in yield of 45.9 q/ha in Bt over control and the incremental cost benefit ratio (ICBR) varied from 1: 2.72 to 1:11 in different treatments. The maximum monetary benefit of Rs.50,490/- was obtained in Bt followed by dichlorvos (Rs.29,990.00) and endosulfan (Rs.18,290.00), lowest being in case of cypermethrin (Rs.5,780.00)