Bio intensive approach for the management of tomato fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)

Field investigations were undertaken to know the effecacy of integration of bioagents and Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE) in the management of tomato fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera. All the bio-agents showed enhanced effect in reducing the larval population. The data revealed that insecticide treatment excelled over rest of the treatments in both the years in reducing the larval population except Nomurea rileyi + NSKE (37.66%), HaNPV + NSKE (30.53%) treatments after application. Spraying of N. rileyi (49.79% decrease over control) and HaNPV (73.08% decrease over control) combined with NSKE were found significantly superior to all treatments either alone or combined with NSKE except endosulfan (80% decrease over control) in reducing the fruit damage. Further the highest yield and net profit was recorded with N. rileyi+NSKE and HaNPV+ NSKE treatments.