Journal of Plant Pathology & Microbiology

Abstract

Evaluation of Karant 5% EC Insecticide against Chickpea pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera), (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Southern Ethiopia

Zerhun Tomas Lera*

Helicoverpa armigera is a major pest of chickpea in Ethiopia. Field experiment was conducted to verify the effectiveness of the Karant 5% EC (Emulsifiable Concentrate) insecticide against African bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae on chickpea were tested at Zala Shasha on trial site and Bossa Qacha on farmers’ field in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications during 2021. Percentage pod damage, mean larval count per plant, and grain yield were significantly affected by the treatments; two tested insecticides were significantly reduced the percentage pod damage and mean larvae per plant accordingly increased grain yield ha⁻¹. The grain yield was highly affected by pod borer damage. The results revealed that the treatments with high pod borer damage had minimum grain yield (653.05 kg/ha); whereas the treatments with maximum protection (Karant 5% EC) with active ingredient Lambda-cyhalothrin 50 g/l give higher grain yield (1825.49) followed by Megathrin 50% EC (1315.72) relative to the untreated control when its applied three times at seven days interval. Evidence obtained from the verification trial showed that Karant 5% EC at the rate of 500 ml/ha with 300 liters water acted significantly at 5% probability level in reducing number of pod borer larva and percentage of pod damage due to pod borer and consequently increased grain yield of chickpea as compared to the standard check (Megathrin 50% EC) and unsprayed checks in both locations. However, it needs further investigation for the interval and frequency.

Published Date: 2022-08-08; Received Date: 2022-07-09