Population distribution of insect pests of cole crops and its management by neem based bio-pesticides in Gurugram District, Haryana

During roving survey, Pataudi Block was seen to have serious problem of Diamond back moth, Plutella xylostella and Tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura infesting cauliflower and cabbage, the number of insects were counted as 10.5 & 5.6 and 8.8 & 4.8, respectively. The analysis of ETL of S. litura was calculated to be 1 larvae for 4 days whereas P. xylostella required 1 larva for 2 days exposure in plastic jar experiment. Out of seven neem based biopesticides tested along with carbosulfan sprayed 2 times. NSKE 5% was quite effective followed by Nimbicidin and Neem gold bio-pesticides. The cost benefit ratio was maximum in NSKE (1: 15.16) followed by Neem leaf extract with 1: 14.18 ratio in cauliflower. Similar results were recorded in cabbage. The results indicated that the NSKE and/or NLE with less cost found beneficial in controlling these pests.