Insecticidal Potential of PAU Homemade Neem Extract against Bud-fly (Dasyneura Lini L) on Linseed (Linum Usitatissimum L) in Punjab

The linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) crop is attacked by numerous pests, among these bud fly (Dasyneura lini Barnes) is a serious pest that attacks floral buds and growing tips, causing severe yield losses. The experiments were conducted during Rabi 2021–22 and 2022–23 at PAU Regional Research Station, Gurdaspur to assess the bioefficacy of PAU homemade neem extract (HNE) @ 2500, 3125, 3750, 4375, 5000 mL ha^-1. It was observed that all HNE treatments significantly reduced bud fly infestation over control. The lowest bud infestation (0.83%) and highest yield (1283 kg ha^-1) were recorded in imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 44 g ai ha^-1 (check insecticide), closely followed by HNE @ 5000 mL ha^-1 (1.5%) with grain yield (1273.5 kg ha^-1 ). However highest cost: benefit (1:63.7) was obtained with application of HNE @ 5000 mL ha^-1. All treatments were found safe to natural enemies (spiders and coccinellids) and no phytotoxic effects were observed