Y.J. Kale, R.D. Urkude and V. Dhurvey
Abstract
This study evaluated the bioefficacy of two EC formulations of insecticides, Ethion 50 EC and Lufenuron 5.4 EC, against Helicoverpa armigera infestation on pigeon pea. Conducted in Sausar (M.P.) during the Kharif seasons of 2023-24 and 2024-25, the field experiment followed a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 7 treatments in triplicate manner, including controls. Ethion was tested at 0.008%, 0.010%, and 0.012%, similarly, Lufenuron was tested at 0.004%, 0.006%, and 0.008%. Sprays were administered at 50% flowering stage of the crop and 15 days after the first spray. Infestation levels were recorded at harvest time and analyzed statistically. Both the insecticides are outperformed on the untreated control. The highest reduction in pod damage was observed with Lufenuron (0.008%) with 62.32% and Ethion (0.012%) with 59.00%, untreated controls showed the highest infestation 25% and 28% for the two consecutive years (2023 to 2025). Statistical analysis using Arc sin transformed pooled mean values revealed that the highest concentration of Lufenuron (0.008%) yielded the lowest pod damage at 23.83%. In comparison, Ethion treatments resulted in 24.09% damage across all concentrations. While Lufenuron at 0.008% proved most effective in managing Helicoverpa armigera, these studies found no statistically significant difference between the highest and lowest doses of the tested insecticides. Consequently, utilizing lower concentrations appears to be a viable strategy for controlling infestations while mitigating environmental health risks.