Field Efficacy of Biopesticides and New Insecticides against Major Insect Pests and their Effect on Natural Enemies in Cauliflower

The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design for two rabi seasons (2005–2006) and (2006–2007) in the experimental field of Division of Entomology, IARI, New Delhi. Higher mean per cent reduction over control (PROC) was recorded against aphids 78.8 and 61.6 (imidacloprid 20 g ai ha⁻¹) 80.8 and 58.5 (thiamethoxam 77 5 ai ha⁻¹) and, 77.8 and 51.8 (cartap hydrochloride 250 g ai ha⁻¹) after first and second spraying, respectively, during 2005–2006 and 80.8 and 68.2 (imidacloprid 20 g ai ha⁻¹), 79.8 and 61.2 (thiamethoxam 75 g ai ha⁻¹), and 78.5 and 50.9 (cartap hydrochloride 250 g ai ha⁻¹) after first and second spraying, respectively during 2006–2007. The mean of PROC recorded against DBM was 76.4 and 67.3 (spinosad 75 g ai ha⁻¹), 80.3 and 78.8, (emamecttn benzoate 10 g ai ha⁻¹), 66.8 and 63.9 (cartap hydrochloride 250 g ai ha⁻¹) and 70.8 and 70.9 (indoxacarb 75 g ai ha⁻¹) after first and second spraying, respectively, during 2006–2007. The mean PROC recorded against cabbage butterfly was 78.7 and 57.7 (spinosad 75 g ai ha⁻¹), 75.8 and 45.5 (emamectin benzoate 10 g ai ha⁻¹), 71.5 and 43.4 (cartap hydrochloride 250 g ai ha⁻¹) and 84.4 and 64.2 (indoxacarb 75 g ai ha⁻¹) after first and second spraying, respectively, during 2005–2006 and 73.7 and 68.6 (spinosad, 75 g ai/ha), 76.2 and 75.3 (emamectin benzoate, 10gai/ha), 62.1 and 61.3 (cartap hydrochloride, 250gai/ha) and, 68.3 and 71.4 (indoxacarb, 75gai/ha) after first and second spraying, respectively during 2006–2007. Spinosad, Biolep, emamectin benzoate and neem oil proved safer to natural enemies in the cauliflower ecosystem.