1Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur, 208 024. E-mail: ss_ali@rediffmail.com; rahmadkanpur@rediffmail.com
2Indian Institute of Spices Research, Calicut, 673012. E-mail: rashid_pervez@rediffmail.com
The efficacy of entomopathogenic nematode, Steinemema masoodi was tested against grey weevil, Myllocerus sp. a foliage feeder of pigeon pea, under greenhouse conditions. Pigeon pea cv. UPAS 120 was sown in 5 kg sterilized soil in earthen pots@ 5 plants per pot and covered with nylon net. One hundred field collected Myllocerus adults were released. Liquid formulation based biopesticide containing S. masoodi was sprayed on the foliage of pigeon pea. Treatments were arranged in completely randomized design and replicated five times. No mortality of Myllocerus adults was observed upto 24 h. After 96 h, 88% mortality was observed when 1.2 x 105 IJs was sprayed followed by 66% incase of 1.0 x 105 IJs and 45% incase of 0.8 x 105 IJs. The infestation of S. masoodi on the grey weevil, Myllocerus was reported for the first time and has potential in pest management programme of pigeon pea.
Entomopathogenic nematodes, pigeon pea, Steinernema masoodi, Myllocerus, biopesticide
