Bio-efficacy of neem products and essential oils against thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood) in Capsicum

Bio-efficacy of two neem products viz., neem soap (1%), pulverised neem seed powder extract (4%) and essential oils (0.2%) of basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum syn. O. sanctum) mint (Mentha arvensis) were evaluated against chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood) in comparison to recommended systemic insecticides viz., acephate (0.075%) and fipronil (0.02%) during 2011–12 rabi seasonin capsicum. Neem soap and pulverised neem seed powder extract prepared in the laboratory and commercially available essential oil samples were used for this study. Ten sprays of the treatments were given at 10 days interval. Thrips damage rating in leaves on a scale of 0–5 was taken once in 10 days to know the treatment effect. Results revealed that neem soap, neemseed powder extract, basil and mint were at par with each other and gave significant reduction of S. dorsalis damage. While neem seed powder extract, basil and mint were at par with acephate and fipronil. Neem soap was at par with fipronil. This study showed that the botanicals like neem soap, neem seed powder extract and essential oils can be used as alternatives to synthetic insecticides for management of chilli thrips, S. dorsalis in capsicum.