Evaluation of integrated pest management module against major pests of rainfed pigeon pea

Experiments on evaluation of redgram (pigeonpea) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) module in comparison with the farmers’ practice were conducted at National Pulses Research Centre (NPRC), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Vamban as well as in farmer's field with variety Vamban 2 during kharif 2004 and 2005. Adoption of IPM module consisting of the components viz., intercropping with groundnut, setting up of pheromone traps against Helicoverpa armigera, erection of bird perches, application of Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE), spraying of HaNPV and need based spraying of insecticides registered reduced pod borer damage (31.5–35.67%), pod wasp damage (3.33–4.67%), pod fly seed damage (5.00%-6.00%) and pod bug damage (5.67%-8.67%) as against the farmer's practice of dusting with lindane 1.3D @ 25kg/ha at peak flowering, which recorded higher pod borer damage (48.67–54.67%), pod wasp damage (6.33–8.33%), pod fly seed damage (6.66–8.67%) and pod bug damage (5.66–13.33%). The grain yield (714–801 kg/ha) and Benefit: Cost (2.41–2.79) were also higher in IPM plots compared to farmer's practice.