Comparative Analysis of UV and UV-LED Light Traps for Pest Control: A Cost-Efficiency Perspective

Abstract

This research, conducted between October 2019 and March 2020 at the Biotechnology Centre, Jawaharlal Nehru KrishiVishwaVidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, aimed to compare the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of UV and UV-LED light traps in attracting and capturing insect pests. The study utilized UV 15-watt (model SMV-4) and UV LED 7-watt solar trap (model Rakshak) to assess their respective performances in capturing Gryllusbimaculatus, unidentified Lepidoptera moths, Helicoverpaarmigera, Gryllotalpaorientalis, Plusiaorichalcea, Agrotisipsilon, and Creatonotosgangis. The results revealed that the UV 15-watt trap demonstrated superior efficacy in capturing Gryllusbimaculatus and unidentified Lepidoptera moths, while no significant difference was observed between UV 15W and 7W UV LED traps.Furthermore, the UV 15-watt trap outperformed the UV LED 7-watt in capturing Helicoverpaarmigera, Gryllotalpaorientalis, Plusiaorichalcea, Agrotisipsilon, and Creatonotosgangis, with significant differences noted in the catches. Despite these variations, considering the total wattage consumption, the UV 7-watt solar trap emerged as a more cost-effective alternative, showcasing economic advantages over the UV 15-watt electric-powered counterpart. Conclusively, the solar-powered UV 7-watt light trap proves to be a promising substitute for the UV 15-watt model in pest control applications. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the higher initial cost associated with the solar-powered light trap, highlighting a potential trade-off between cost and efficiency in light trap selection for pest management.