Bioefficacy of various insecticides against pest complex in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp]

Abstract

Various insecticides were tested for bioefficacy against pest complex of cowpea. The data on per cent reduction over control worked on the basis of pest population (Pod borer damage in case of Maruca vitrata) pooled over 3 days (1, 3 and 7 day(s) after each spray), 2 sprays (first spray at 50% flowering and second at 50% pod setting) and 2 years revealed that deltamethrin tablet recording highest per cent reduction (72.51%) in pod borer damage was found most effective treatment. Against aphid, Aphis craccivora, alphamethrin, fenvalerate and lambda-cyhalothrin recording more than 80% reduction were found most effective insecticides. Methyl-o-demeton recording highest reduction of 68.77%, 52.65% and 37.28% was found most effective insecticide against leaf hopper, Amrasca kerri; thrips, Megaleurothrips sjostedti and leaf miner, Acrocercops caerulea, respectively.