Evaluation of certain chemical and neem based pesticides for their acaricidal efficacy against the red spider mite (Tetrangychus ludeni Zacher) infesting french been

Based on field studies conducted during 2009 and 2010 in spring-summer on acaricidal efficacy of certain chemical and neem based pesticides for management of the red spider mite (Tetranychus ludeni Zacher) infesting french bean (Phaseotus vulgaris L.) it was found that dicofol 18.5 EC@ 2.50 l ha⁻¹ proved to be the most effective against the mite. Propargite 57 EC@ 1.20 l ha⁻¹ and milbectin 1.0 EC@ 0.50 l ha⁻¹ were at par. Among the neem based pesticides, NSKE 5 per cent caused the maximum reduction to the tune of 80.70 per cent in the mite population. Neembecidine (Aza. 0.03%) @ 3.0 l ha⁻¹, Rakshak Gold (Aza.1.0%) @ 1.0 l ha⁻¹, Neemazal (Aza. 0.03%) @ 1.0 l ha⁻¹, Neemgurd (Aza. 0.03%) @ 3.0 l ha⁻¹ were at par. Realization of yields of green pods of french bean were also found almost in similar trends as those of reduction in the population of the mite pest (T. ludeni). As such, yield of green pods ranging from, 82.60 to 90.50 q ha⁻¹ and 75.40 to 80.70 q ha⁻¹ were obtained through protection provided with chemical and neem based pesticides, respectively. The lowest yield of 60.80 q ha⁻¹ was obtained from the unprotected crop. Thus, the experimental findings gave rise to certain alternative options to the farmers for effective management of T. ludeni for sustainable cultivation of french bean.