Management of root mealybug in black pepper (Piper nigrum)

Effective management of root mealybug in black pepper was evaluated with Entomopathogenic Fungi (EPF) and chemicals separately in pot experiment. Among the EPF, Lecanicillium lecanii and among the chemicals, Imidacloprid 17.8 SL and Chlorpyriphos 20 EC were found to be the most effective. These treatments alone and in combinations of chemical and EPF, along with farmers’ practice were tested in pot experiment, where the Imidacloprid was found superior in managing the root mealybug causing 65 per cent mortality. This effective treatment was evaluated at field level and found to be effective in reducing the mealybug population at two weeks after the first application itself.