Comparative Efficacy and Economics of Selected Chemicals with Neem Oil against Mustard Aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbench)

Abstract

The research was carried out at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Central Research Field, during Rabi season from november 2023- march 2024.  The insecticide management experiment was conducted under Randomized Block Design (RBD) with the eight treatments and three replications by undertaking two spraying with fifteen-day intervals. The insecticides tested significantly reduced the pest population compared to control. Among the eight treatments evaluated for their efficacy in field condition against mustard aphids was recorded in treatment Neem oil 5% + Imidacloprid 17.8 SL (6.95) which was the minimum aphid population, followed by Imidacloprid 17.8 SL (8.46), Neem oil 5% + Acetamiprid 20% SP (9.78), Acetamiprid 20% SP (10.45), Neem oil 5% + Cypermethrin 10% EC (11.27), Cypermethrin 10% EC (11.55) and Neem oil 5% (12.01). The maximum aphid population was recorded in control plot (23.33 per 5 plant). Based on the results obtained in the investigation it is concluded that Imidacloprid 17.8SL with Neem oil and chemicals combined with neem oil could be utilized as a component in Integrated Pest Management of Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) on mustard. Similarly, the result revealed that the maximum C:B was recorded by treatment Neem oil 5%+ Imidacloprid 17.8% SL (1:2.77) followed by Imidacloprid 17.8% SL (1:2.67) and the minimum Cost Benefit Ratio was recorded in the control plot (1:1.27). The combination of Neem oil 5% and Imidacloprid 17.8 SL has offered cost-effective solutions that they effectively control aphid populations at lower costs. Thus, integrated pest management (IPM) approaches combining chemical treatments with cultural, biological, and mechanical controls may provide sustainable and cost-effective solutions in the long term.