Evaluation of Synthetics and Eco-friendly Products against Tetranychus urticae Koch on Cucumber

Abstract

Tetranychus urticae Koch, is known as a two-spotted spider mite and the most obtrusive polyphagous non-insect pest that causes havoc on horticultural crops. Cucumber cultivation is threatened by a variety of pest infestations, among which two-spotted spider mites cause the most damage to the crop. The efficiency of six different chemical acaricides against T. urticae in cucumber grown in polyhouse was examined. The results of the acaricide evaluation trial revealed that, the cumulative mean mite population recorded was the least 3.82 nos/ 2 cm2 leaf with 76.81 percent reduction in mite population observed in plot sprayed with spiromesifen 240 SC @ 0.8 ml/lit followed by fenazaquin 10 EC @1.5 ml/lit. with 73.35 percent reduction in mite population (4.39 nos/2 cm2). However, the control plot recorded maximum mite population of 16.48 nos/2 cm2. The results of the eco-friendly management trial revealed that, the cumulative mean mite population was recorded was the least 5.24 nos/ 2 cm2 leaf with 69.97 percent reduction in mite population was observed in plot sprayed with spiromesifen 240 SC @ 0.8 ml/lit followed by fenazaquin 10 EC @1.5 ml/lit. (6.09 nos/2 cm2) with 65.13 per cent reduction, azadirachtin 10000 ppm @ 2 ml/ lit. with 66.82 percent reduction in mite population (6.14 nos/2 cm2).