Stem Application of Neo-nicotinoids for Management of Tobacco Aphid, Myzus nicotianae in Virginia Tobacco

A field experiment was conducted to find out the effectiveness of stem application of insecticides for management of the tobacco aphid during 2006–07. Neo-nicotinoids, imidacloprid 200 SL and thiamethoxam 25 WG were applied to tobacco stem @ 1:20, 1:30 and 1:40 dilutions and compared with the foliar spray of the same @ 0.005% in FCV tobacco. Stem application of imidacloprid @ 1:30 and thiamethoxam 1:20 were effective in reducing the aphid population on flue cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco. Stem application of neo-nicotinoids also resulted in reduction of leaf curl incidence and supported more natural enemies as compared to foliar spray. Plots treated with thiamethoxam recorded higher natural enemy population as compared to imidacloprid either as foliar spray or stem application. The yield parameters of Virginia tobacco in effective stem application treatments were on par with that in foliar spray.