Efficacy of Neem and Bt Formulations against Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) Infestation in Maize

The efficacy of neem and Bt formulations vis-à-vis recommended insecticide endosulfan alone and in combination with one another was evaluated during kharif, 1997 and 1998 seasons. Neem Bt tormulations and endosullan separately and in combinatton offered good protection against damage caused by C. partellus. Applicatton of endosullan effecttvely suppressed the pest than neem and Bt formulations. Severity of damage under artificial infestation conditions was low in plots treated with neem oil and endosulfan combination. Btk, endosulfan as well as their combination reduced stem tunneling in artificially infested plants by stem borer. All the treatments adversely affected the spider population in the field. Higher grain yield was realized with endosulfan treatment than neem and Bt formulations.