Biorational Management of Whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) in Brinjal

Field experiments were conducted during 2019 and 2020 to evaluate the efficacy of six biorational IPM modules against whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) in brinjal. These included measures like removal of alternate hosts, using of marigold as intercrop/ border row of maize/ yellow sticky traps, release of Chrysoperla spp., or use of azadirachtin (1%) and diafenthiuron). The incidence of B. tabaci was significantly less in these modules (5.62-7.72 adults/ 3 leaves) compared to untreated control (11.00 adults/ 3 leaves). The maximum fruit yield (437.6 q/ ha)was obtained with module M₁ (removal of alternate hosts + marigold as intercrop and border row of maize + yellow sticky traps + release of Chrysoperla spp. + one spray each of azadirachtin (1%) and diafenthiuron 50WP). But, maximum net returns (Rs 25620/ ha) and benefit cost (B: C) ratio (1: 2.2) were obtained with module M₆ (yellow sticky traps+ two sprays of azadirachtin 1%). Thus, it can be concluded that B. tabaci can be managed by installing yellow sticky traps @ 100 traps/ ha followed by two need-based sprays of azadirachtin (1 %) @ 1000 ml/ ha.