Evaluation of insecticidal sprays for control of tea mosquito bug Helopeltis antonii and other insect-pests in cashew

In an insecticidal-spray evaluation programme in managing the cashew insect-pests in general, and tea mosquito bug Helopeltis antonii Sign, in particular during 2005–2006; six schedules were taken comprising of three-round chemical-sprays viz., Kerala state recommendation (quinalphos and carbaryl), chlorpyriphos, triazophos, lambda-cyhalothrin, profenophos and untreated control. Sprayings were resorted to in flushing, flowering and nut-initiation stages. Bio-efficacy of these pesticides were discussed with respect to major pests-tea mosquito bug, leafminer, leaf and blossom webber, nut-borer and thrips; natural enemies like generalist predators-ants and spiders, pest-management-economics and the associated pesticide-residue in the harvested cashew-nuts. Lambda-cyhalothrin was recommended based on its cheaper-cost and low-dose-requirement.