Evaluation and development of some eco-friendly integrated pest management (IPM) modules in bitter gourd to minimize melon fruit fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillett) infestation under lower Gangetic plain region of West Bengal, India

Field investigations were conducted on bitter gourd variety ‘Pusa Do Mausami’ to evaluate the efficacy of six suggestive integrated pest management (IPM) modules against melon fruit fly. Results of the experiments revealed that module M₃ [summer ploughing, earthing up, removal and destruction of infested fruits, male annihilation by cue lure baited traps and application of bait spray] was found more effective in terms of lowest fruit infestation based on number basis (12.26%) and weight basis (10.47%) followed by module M₂ which had 14.79 and 12.71% of fruit damage on number and weight basis, respectively during both the years compared to other evaluated modules. Significantly maximum marketable fruit yield was also recorded in the module M₃ (105.68 q/ha) followed by M₂ (97.10 q/ha). Module M₃ recorded highest net profit (Rs. 1,38,256/ha) as well as benefit-cost ratio (18.40:1) followed by M₂ (Rs. 1,12,072/ha and 14.08:1) during both the years. All the tested modules during the period of investigations did not produce any deleterious effect on the observed natural enemies (predatory coccinellids) in the field.