Comparative Evaluation of Novel Insecticidal Molecules for Control of Pod Bug Infestation in Green Gram

Many pulse growers prioritize certified seed production over grain because of its significantly higher market value and better profitability. However, farmers frequently experience poor economic returns due to damage caused by pod-sucking bugs. These insects are major pests of pulse crops, feeding on developing pods and seeds and causing substantial yield and quality losses. As a result, pod-sucking bugs pose not only a pest problem but also a serious economic threat to the seed production system, directly impacting farmers’ livelihoods and disrupting the seed supply chain in pulse cultivation.

To address this challenge, field experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of several newer insecticide molecules against pod-sucking bugs in pulses. The treatments included: Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 250 ml/ha, Thiamethoxam 75 WG @ 100 g/ha, Buprofezin 25% SC @ 1000 ml/ha, Thiacloprid 21.7% SC @ 500 ml/ha, Flonicamid 50% WG @ 150 g/ha, Clothianidin 50% WG @ 24 g/ha, Dinotefuran 20% SG @ 150 g/ha, Pymetrozine 50% WG @ 300 g/ha and Dimethoate 35 EC @ 500 ml/ha. Two sprays were made during flowering and pod formation stages in green gram.

Among the treatments tested, Flonicamid 50% WG (150 g/ha) proved to be the most effective. It recorded the lowest pod bug population (2.20 per 3 plants), the highest reduction over control (78.81%) and the minimum pod damage (3.92%) and grain damage (2.03%). Flonicamid also resulted in the highest yield (865.00 kg/ha) and the best benefit-cost ratio (1:2.13). Additionally, this treatment maintained the maximum coccinellid population (9.83 per 10 plants), indicating its compatibility with beneficial insects.