Field Evaluation of Azadirachtin-Rich Neem Formulations against Cnaphalocrocis Medinalis (Guenee) and Scirpophaga Incertulas (Walker) on Rice

Four high potency azadirachtin-based neem formulations, viz. Rakshak 1%, Neem Azal 1% and 5% and Nimbecidine 0.03% were evaluated against two major insect pests of rice, viz. rice leaffolder (RLF), Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Gueneen ana yellow stem borer (YSB), Scirpophaga ancertulas (Walker) during two kharif seasons. The incidence of RLF was minimum in the case of monocrotophos, which was at par with Neem Azal 5% @ 1.00 and 2.00 mlL⁻¹. Similarly, the incidence of YSB was also minimum in monocrotophos and was at par with Neem Azal 5% @ 0.50 mlL⁻¹. Highest yield was obtained with monocrotophos followed by Neem Azal 1% @ 1.25 mlL⁻¹. Maximum paddy yield (50.5 q ha⁻¹) was recorded in monocrotophos, followed by 46.4 q ha⁻¹ in Neem Azal 5% @ 2.00 ml l⁻¹ in comparison to 34.3 q ha⁻¹ in untreated control.