Evaluation of profenofos against tea mosquito bug Helopeltis theivora waterhouse on tea

Two field experiments conducted to evaluate the efficacy of profenofos (from a new source) along with standard checks against tea mosquito bug, Helopeltis theivora Waterhouse on tea revealed it to be effective in controlling the pest. Profenofos 50 EC @ 1000 g a.i. ha⁻¹ recorded an average reduction of 79.35 and 77.11 per cent damage by tea mosquito bug at Iyerpadi estate and Lower Paralai estate, respectively. Its application @ 800 g a.i. ha⁻¹ was equally effective and recorded an average per cent reduction of 73.89 and 76.69 per cent damage in the two respective field trials. The recommended dose of profenofos @ 500 g a.i. ha⁻¹ was also on par with the two higher doses with an average per cent reduction of 67.71 and 76.69 damage by tea mosquito bug in the two trials, respectively.