Eco-friendly management of insect pests infesting cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

The present research work was carried out at Agronomy Farm, College of Agriculture, Dapoli during Kharif, 2016 on seven flowering plants (cosmos, cowpea, marigold, mustard, niger, sesamum and zinnia) on the borders of cucumber plots for conservation of natural enemies. The flowering plants niger, sesamum, mustard, cowpea and marigold on cucumber bunds proved to be best for reducing the red pumpkin beetle incidence. Niger, mustard, marigold and cowpea proved best for reducing flea beetle incidence. Niger, marigold, cowpea, mustard and sesamum proved best for reducing serpentine leaf miner incidence. Niger, cosmos, cowpea, sesamum and zinnia were found best for reducing the fruit fly infestation. The results of the present study will be helpful in the eco-friendly management of pests of cucurbits.