Evaluation of bio-rational insecticides against major sap sucking insect pests of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Efficacy of bio-rational insecticides evaluated after two sprays indicated that among all the bio-rational insecticidal treatments, the Azadirachtin 1500 ppm was found most effective at 3, 5 and 7 days after first spray against sap sucking insect pests as well as defoliators; while the, minimum per cent mean population reduction was recorded in nicotine sulfate 40S (0.02%) against all the insect pests occurred on sweet basil during kharif season 2016–17 and 2017–18. After second spray, the spinosad 45SC (150 ml/ha) was recorded superior among all the bio-rational insecticidal treatments against defoliator insect pests at 3, 5 and 7 days; whereas, the Bacillus thuringiensis (1.5 kg/ha) was least effective at 3, 5 and 7 days after second spray during both the years 2016–17 and 2017–18.