Comparative Efficacy and Economics of Selected Chemicals and Neem Oil against Gram Pod Borer [Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)] on Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]

A field trial was conducted at Naini, Prayagraj, during Kharif season 2022. Eight treatments were evaluated against Helicoverpa armigera on cowpea i.e. Spinosad 45%SC, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % SC, a half dose of Spinosad 45% SC + Neem oil 5%, Indoxacarb 14.5% SC, Imidacloprid 18.5% SC, Neem oil 5%, a half dose of Imidacloprid 18.5% SC + Neem oil 5% and an untreated Control. Results revealed that, among the different treatments lowest larval population of cowpea pod borer was recorded in Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % SC (1.300). Indoxacarb 14.5% SC (1.467) was found to be the next best treatment followed by a half dose of Spinosad 45% SC + Neem oil 5% (1.678), a half dose of Imidacloprid 18.5% SC + Neem oil 5% (1.823), Spinosad 45% SC (1.945), Imidacloprid 18.5% SC (2.055) whereas Neem oil 5% (2.334) was found to be the least effective against this pest. The best and most economical treatment was Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % SC (1:3.63) followed by Indoxacarb 14.5% SC (1:3.41). The yield of plot the treated with Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % SC with (17.40 q/ha) followed by Indoxacarb 14.5% SC (16.22 q/ha), a half dose of Spinosad 45% SC + Neem oil 5% (14.90 q/ha), a half dose of Imidacloprid 18.5% SC + Neem oil 5% (12.68 q/ha), Spinosad 45% SC (11.86 q/ha), Imidacloprid 18.5% SC (11.10 q/ha) and Neem oil 5% (10 q/ha) as compared to the untreated control (8.20 q/ha).