Eco-friendly management of aphids in lucerne

Among the eco friendly management practices for the management of aphids, the neem formulation (3000 ppm) recorded the maximum green fodder and seed yield. The next best treatments were Vitex negundo (Leaf juice extract) and garlic + chilli kerosene extract. Among entomopathogens, the Lecanicillium lecanii (@ 1 × 10⁸ cfu g⁻¹) was effective at 7 DAS and up to 14 DAS. It also recorded the highest green fodder yield, dry matter yield as well seed yield and was found safer to natural enemies and pollinators. Although the standard check, Acetamiprid 20 SP was found superior in managing the aphids, it was found unsafe to natural enemies and pollinators.