Evaluation of integrated pest management modules against gram pod borer in chickpea (Cicer arietinum)

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted during winter (rabi) 2003-04 and 2004-05 to evaluate the effectiveness of integrated pest management (IPM) modules against gram pod borer, [Helicoverpa armigera (Hüibner)], on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Amongst the various modules evaluated for 2 years on 'BG 256' chickpea in Mirzapur district, Uttar Pradesh, module M 5 (sole crop of chickpea, pheromone traps @ 20/ha, bird perches @ 20/ha, endosulfan 35 EC @ 0.07% a.i. and chlorpyriphos @ 0.05% a.i.), followed by M 2 (sole crop of chickpea, pheromone traps @ 20/ha, bird perches @ 20/ ha, methomyl 40 SP @ 1.0 kg/ha of formulated insecticide and 2 sprays of HaNPV @ 400 LE/ha) were found effective in managing the population of H. armigera. On an average, the grain yields were higher in M 5 (1 382 kg/ha), followed by M 2 (1 196 kg/ha) in comparison to the other modules including farmers' practice. The highest cost : benefit (C : B) ratio was obtained in M 5 (1:5.09), followed by M 4 (1:2.2). Though, least population of natural enemies was recorded in M 5, the module proved superior to other modules in respect of managing pest population and C:B ratio and hence could be utilized by farmers.