Comparative evaluation of fipronil 80 WG and farmers’ practice for the management of thrips (Thrips tabaci) in rabi onion (Allium cepa L.) in Kaithal, Haryana

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a vital cash crop in India, with the Rabi season being crucial for production, particularly in regions like Haryana. However, onion productivity is frequently constrained by insect pests, among which the onion thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman) is particularly damaging. This on-farm trial, conducted in Kaithal, Haryana during the Rabi 2023–24 season, evaluated the efficacy of Fipronil 80WG for managing T. tabaci compared to the prevailing farmers’ practice. The study utilized a randomized block design with two treatments: T₀ (Farmers’ Practice: Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 160 ml/ha) and T₁ (Recommended Practice: Fipronil 80WG @ 75 g/ha). Data were collected on plant growth parameters, bulb characteristics, yield ( kg/ha ), net returns (₹/ha), and the benefit-cost (B:C) ratio. The results indicated that T₁ significantly outperformed T₀ across all parameters. Onion yield increased from 24,000 kg/ha (T₀) to 27,500 kg/ha (T₁). Significant improvements were also observed in average bulb weight (98 g vs 85 g), bulb length (6.0 cm vs 5.5 cm), bulb breadth (6.5 cm vs 5.8 cm), and number of leaves per plant (10.0 vs 9.0) under T₁. Consequently, net returns improved substantially from ₹140,510/ha to ₹181,060/ha, and the B:C ratio increased from 1.57 to 1.84. Participating farmers expressed greater satisfaction with Fipronil 80WG. These findings suggest Fipronil 80WG is a superior, economically advantageous alternative for managing onion thrips and improving overall crop performance in the Kaithal region.