Abstract

Two field experiments were conducted, the first season at Vandikaranoor during March 2008-June 2008 and the second season at Puttur during July 2008 – October 2008 to evaluate the bio efficacy of emamectin benzoate 5 SG at four doses viz., 9, 11,13 and 15 g a.i. ha-1 for the control of okra fruit borers viz., Earias vittella Fabricius and Helicoverpa armigera Hubner. The new formulation of emamectin benzoate 5 SG at 11 and 13 g a.i. ha -1 was highly effective and reduced the fruit damage when compared to standard check, Proclaim ® (emamectin benzoate 5 SG at 11g a.i. ha -1 ) and endosulfan 35 EC @ 350 g a.i. ha -1 . The lowest fruit damage was recorded with the application of emamectin benzoate 5 SG at 11 g a.i. ha -1 and it was on par with 13 g a.i. ha -1 although the per cent fruit damage was less in all emamectin benzoate 5 SG doses which ultimately increased the fruit yield of okra.

Keywords: Field efficacy, Emamectin benzoate 5 SG, Fruit borers, Okra,