Abstract

Field experiments were carried out in the Department of Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore and in the farmer’s holdings at Vellipalayam from August, 2011 to December, 2011 to study the field efficacy of bio-pesticides against Plusia signata (Fabricius) on Gloriosa superba. The results of the experiments revealed that flavanoids recorded superiority in the management of P. signata starting from 3 rd day after treatment and it was statistically on par with quinalphos. Pungam oil 3 ml/litre was next in the order of efficacy, followed by azadirachtin 1% and NSKE 5%. Efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) (2 ml/lit) was realized only at seven days after treatment and persisted even after 14 days of second spray. At 14 days after treatment, Bt was second in the order of efficacy next to chemical pesticides and flavanoids. From the findings of both the field trials, flavanoids (Max Ranger-D2 ® ) from Maxgrow Biotech (P) Ltd, Ludhiana was adjudged and recommended as the best alternative to chemical pesticides in gloriosa eco-system and are recommended as one of the components in organic pest management.

Keywords: Gloriosa superba, semilooper, Plusia signata, bio-pesticides, Bt, flavanoids