Management of Okra Shoot and Fruit Borer, Earias Vittella Fabr. Through Bio-Rational Insecticides

Two rational insecticides viz. endosulfan (35 EC) and carbofuran (3 G, at last ploughing) as well as biocides viz. neem oil and spicturin were tested for managing Earias vittelia Fabr. in okra. Endosulfan at 0.25 kg ai ha⁻¹ and spicturin at 0.5 L ha⁻¹ alternatively sprayed at 6 AM and 4 PM when the infestation exceeded ETL (5.3% wt basis) after 92 days of carbofuran (3 G) soil treatment was found most effective in lowering the pest incidence (6.83% fruit weight basis) as well as the larval population (104.3 per 100 fruits). This treatment gave the maximum yield of okra (112.7 q ha⁻¹) as well as the maximum return per rupee investment (Rs4.23).