Influence of spray time of botanicals and insecticides on ber fruit borer, Meridarchis scyrodes Meyrick

An experiment was conducted to identify the right time of spray of botanicals and chemical insecticides for the control of ber fruit borer, Meridarchis scyrodes M. Spray time significantly influenced the per cent mortality of pest. First spray with 5% neem seed kernel extract (NSKE), second spray with 0.07% acephate and third spray with 5% NSKE given on 15^th September, 30^th September and15^th October. Amongthe three sprays, first spray with5% NSKE on15^th September recorded the lowest per cent borer damage (28.12). The highest fruit yield (73.85 kg/plant) and benefit cost ratio (1.72) were also recorded with first spray on 15^th September.