Efficacy of Biopesticides and Botanicals against Leaf Webber (Nephopteryx eugraphella Rogonot) on Molsari (Mimusops elengi Linn.) under Punjab conditions

Mimusops elengi Linn. (Molsari) is a valuable ornamental and medicinal tree frequently damaged by the terminal webworm, Nephopteryx eugraphella Ragonot (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), which causes extensive defoliation during the monsoon by webbing and feeding on tender leaves and shoots. Afield study was conducted in July and August 2021 to evaluate the efficacy of biopesticides and botanicals against this pest. Treatments included spinosad 48% SC (180, 360, 540 g ha^-1), Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki(2470, 3705, 4940 g ha^-1), Beauveria bassiana (9880, 12500, 14820 g ha^-1), Metarhizium anisopliae (10000, 12500, 15000 g ha^-1), Azadirachtin 0.15% EC (9880, 12350, 14820 g ha^-1), neem seed kernel extract (31250, 62500, 93750 g ha^-1), Dharekseed kernel extract (31250, 62500, 93750 g ha^-1), homemade neem extract (200, 250, 300 g ha^-1), homemade Dharek extract (200, 250, 300 g ha^-1 and horticultural mineral oil (8500, 10625, 12750 g ha^-1). Spinosad 48% SC @ 540 g ha^-1) was most effective, reducing webs to 1.00-2.00 per meter branch and larvae to 1.00-1.75 per web (83-92% and 89–92% reduction), followed by B. bassiana and M. anisopliae. Botanicals, including azadirachtin and neem-based extracts, provided moderate control (45-62%), while mineral oil was least effective (<40%). Results suggest spinosad and microbial biopesticides as promising eco-friendly options for sustainable management of N. eugraphella.