Field Efficacy of some Insecticides against Helicoverpa armigera Hübner in Pigeonpea

Field efficacy of some insecticides against Helicoverpa armigera on pigeonpea during the years 2013–14 and 2014–15 revealed that profenofos 50 EC was the most effective in reducing pod borer infestation (4.47 per cent) which was on par with spinosad 45 SC (5.48 per cent). The number of spiders and coccinellids were maximum in untreated control (4.14 and 4.00 5 plants⁻¹, respectively) followed by pongamia oil 3 per cent (3.62 and 3.41 5 plants⁻¹, respectively) and neem oil 3 per cent (2.96 and 3.25 5 plants⁻¹, respectively). The highest yield of 22.11q ha⁻¹ was obtained with profenofos 50 EC, which was at par with spinosad 45 SC (20.80 q ha⁻¹). The highest (1: 13.15) cost: benefit ratio was also recorded with profenofos 50 EC, followed by spinosad 45 SC (1: 10.53). In case a bio-pesticide is required, spinosad 45 SC may be recommended for management of H. armigera in pigeonpea.