Assessment of Sustainable Approaches to Combat Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer (Leucinodes Orbonalis Guenee) Infestation

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate different treatment modules against the brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee, in the AKLB-9 variety of brinjal crops. The research took place in the field at the Department of Entomology, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola during the Kharif season of 2019-20. The primary objectives were to assess the performance of various modules against the major insect pests of brinjal and to determine the relative safety of botanicals, bio-pesticides, bioagents and chemicals to natural enemies. Four treatment modules were tested using a randomized block design. These modules involved actions such as seedling dipping, removal of infested shoots, release of beneficial insects and application of different substances at specific intervals. The first application of each module occurred on Days After Transplanting (DAT) 20 and 60, with subsequent applications at 10-day intervals. Observations were made on the infestation of brinjal shoot borer and its natural enemies, including cumulative percentages of shoot and fruit infestation, at 3, 7 and 10 days after each spray. Average population of natural enemies per plant was also recorded. Additionally, the study evaluated the yield and Incremental Cost-Benefit Ratio (ICBR) of the different treatment modules for cost-effectiveness. Results indicated that Treatment Module 2 was the most effective against brinjal shoot and fruit borer, while Treatment Module 3 showed promise in minimizing shoot infestation. Modules 1 and 4 were observed to be safer for natural enemies like ladybird beetles. Treatment Modules 2 and 3 were found promising in minimizing fruit infestation, with Module 1 found to be safer for spiders. Treatment Module 2 emerged as the most effective and economically viable, recording an ICBR of 1:60.98. These findings contribute valuable insights into sustainable pest management practices for brinjal cultivation.