Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

EVALUATION OF BIOPESTICIDE FOR MANAGEMENT OF INSECTPESTS COMPLEX WITH SAFETY TO NATURAL FAUNA ON MUSTARD

Manish Kumar, D.V. Bhagat, Laxmi Verma and Ankita Pandey

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted in six locations at farmer’s fields of Sonkutch and Bagli block in Dewas district to evaluate the performance of biopesticides, Metarhzium anisopliae including other components (IPM field) against insect-pests and natural enemies in mustard. Results revealed that the IPM field proved to be effective with lowest incidence of major insect-pests viz., aphid (Lipaphis erysimi), sawfly (Athalia lugens proxima), painted bug (Bagrada cruciferarum) and leaf miner (Phytomyza horticol) with higher grain yield and monetary benefit as compared to Non IPM field. The maximum yield was recorded in IPM (15.28q/ha) than Non IPM (13.23 q/ha) field. The IPM field was ultimately the promising one with better net returns (Cost benefit ratio 1:2.43) than Non IPM (Cost benefit ratio 1:1.99). The population of natural enemies viz., lady bird beetles, Syrphid fly and preying spider and honey bee over non-IPM plot. Therefore, the IPM technology used was not only directly environment friendly but also more sustainable vide increase in biodiversity (natural enemies, soil flora & fauna).