EFFECT OF INSECTICIDE MOLECULES ON FALL ARMYWORM SPODOPTERA FRUGIPERDA (J.E. SMITH) ON MAIZE UNDER FIELD CONDITIONSM.V. Matti and C.P. MallapurAbstract Observations on per cent pest infestation by counting all plants were counted per plot and oviposition were taken on 20 randomly selected plants in each treatment on weekly basis and per cent cob damage were recorded 20 randomly selected plants in each treatment. Simultaneously, the counts on natural enemies (predators, parasitized larvae and larval cadavers affected by diseases) were taken on 10 randomly selected plants in each treatment. The grain yield from individual treatment was recorded separately and expressed on hectare basis. The lowest number of egg masses were recorded in chemical treatments and the highest number of egg masses were recorded in untreated check and biopesticides at 21 and 28 days after germination. No egg masses were recorded in all treatments at 70 days after germination. The lowest percent pest infestation recorded inchemical treatments. However, the highest percent pest infestation was recorded in in untreated check and biopesticides at 21 and 28 days after germination. No pest infestation were recorded in all treatments at 70 days after germination. With respect to natural enemy activity, nimbecidine 0.03% @ 3 ml/l, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki 17,600 IU/mg @ 2 g/l, Metarhiziumrileyi 2 Ã108 CFU @ 2 g/l and chloranitraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 0.20 ml/l treatments were as good as untreated check by safe guarding the natural enemy population. Spinetoram 11.7 SC spray @ 0.5 ml/l resulted in highest grain yield which was at par with cyantraniliprole 10 OD @ 0.3 ml/l. Lower yields were obtained from the plots which received biopesticides application. |