Abstract

                                Field trials were conducted to assess the efficacy of insecticides, neem products and Helicoverpa nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) as an individual component and integrated components in controlling fruit borer. Helicoverpa armigera in tomato. Application of NSKE 3% + endosulfan 0.035%+ NPV @250 LE/ha thrice at 45, 55 and 65 days after planting was found to be superior in causing higher larval mortality and reducing the fruit damage with higher fruit yield followed by application of neem oil 3% + endosulfan 0.035% + NPV @250LE/ha and endosulfan 0.07%. When the cost benefit ratio was considered, endosulfan 0.07% stood first followed by NSKE. 3%+ NPV @250 LE/ha and NSKE 3% + endosulfan 0.035% + NPV @250 LEЛha: Thus the integrated approach may also be adopted in place of insecticides for the better control of H. armigera and higher return in tomato.

Key words : Helicoverpa armigera, tomato, integrated management