Effect of integrated nutrient management on insect vectors population, incidence of stem necrosis disease and production potential of potato (Solanum tuberosum L) – onion (Allium cepa) cropping system

A field experiment was conducted during 2005–06 and 2006–07 at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh to study the effect of different dates of haulm cuttings and combination of organic and inorganic source of nutrients on potato (Solanum tuberosum)-onion (Allium cepa) sequence. Influence of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on insect vectors & stem necrosis disease, if any was also studied. Delaying date of haulm cutting from 60 to 74 days after planting (DAP) increased potato tuber yield. Application of 75%NPK through inorganic source and 25% N through organic source (FYM) maximized potato equivalent yield (294), production efficiency (400), gross return (Rs 1,81,491) and net return (Rs 85,863). Benefit: cost ratio were same in all the combinations except control. The succession and incidence of thrips, whitefly and leafhopper did not vary significantly among the treatments. Stem necrosis disease incidence and index were lowest in the treatment without FYM and no NPK fertilizer application (37.5% and 8.6%, respectively). It was highest in the treatment without FYM and 100% NPK fertilizer (63.2% incidence and 16.1% index, respectively).