Development and evaluation of IPM modules against fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.) (Lepidopera: Noctuidae) infesting tomato crop in semi arid region

Pest management is achieved through the utilization of knowledge of bionomics and population dynamics of target pest species to maintain damage below the economic threshold while reducing the risk of pesticide poisoning. Tomato crop comprise numerous economically important pests, and IPM practices have historically been focused on controlling harmful insects in agricultural environments. IPM modules evaluated in present study were found significantly superior over untreated control. Among them, the efficacy of module 7 comprising Emamectin benzoate 5% SG @ 200 ml/ha + Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 EC @ 150 ml/ha + Novaluron 10 EC @ 1 L/ha was found best in controlling the H. armigera (0.43 larvae/plant and 8.46 and 7.63 per cent fruit damage on number and weight basis, respectively) in tomato. While, the lowest efficacy was recorded in module 2 comprising Trichogramma sp. (@15,0000/ha + HaNPV@ 300 LE/ha + NSKE @ 10% (1.28 larvae/plant and 23.05 and 21.62 per cent fruit damage on number and weight basis). Module 7 recorded maximum fruit yield of 269.73 q/ha with highest efficacy, whereas, it was lowest in module 8 (173.47 q/ha) kept as untreated control. The maximum increase in yield over control was also obtained in module 7 (96.32 q/ha).