Evaluation and validation of non-chemical IPM and inm technology for bell pepper (Capsicum annum var. Frutescens L.) through farmers' participatory approach

Non-chemical IPM & INM technologies (Organic) along with IPM farm trials were carried out on bell pepper (Capsicum annum var. frutescens L.) in Daha, Karnal, Haryana during 2009–10 and 2010–11 in a Farmers’ Participatory mode. Farmers’ practices (FP) consisting entirely of pesticidal sprays were also included in trial. The non-chemical (organic) integrated nutrient and pest management technology which included application of FYM @ 20 tonnes/ha fortified with Trichoderma sp., seedling dip before transplanting in Pseudomonas fluroscens, soil application of neem cake @ 1.5 tonnes/ha in three split doses, erection of pheromone traps @ 15/ha for fruit borer, four sprays of HaNPV @ 250 LE/ha in the initial stages, need based sprays of neem for aphids in early stages of crop, application of spinosad and proclaim biopesticides for thrips and fruit borer, respectively, releases of Trichogramma sp @ 1.5 lakh/ha for fruit borer, collection, destruction and rouging out of borer damaged fruits and mosaic virus complex affected plants; though resulted in lower yields (172.5 & 138.0 q/ha) and so the lower CBR (1: 2.49 & 1: 2.32) in non-chemical (organic) trial than IPM-yield (205.0 & 180.0 q/ha); CBR (1: 3.78 & 1: 3.07) and Farmers’ Practices-yield (190 & 164.6 q/ha); CBR (1: 3.51 & 1: 2.85), but yielded clean & better quality produce as reflected by pesticide residue studies conducted separately. Therefore, the IPM technology used was not only directly environment friendly but also more sustainable vide increase in biodiversity (natural enemies, soil flora & fauna).