Field Evaluation of Different Pest Management Modules against Shoot and Fruit Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee) Infesting Brinjal in Tripura

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out to assess various pest management strategies for controlling shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee.) in Brinjal during 2019-20 and 2020-21. Seven Integrated Pest Management (IPM) modules were developed for use according to a calendar-based schedule and were compared to an untreated control in terms of their effectiveness in reducing shoot and fruit borer incidence. The results indicated that module M7 was superior to the untreated control (M8) as it resulted in lower percentages of shoot damage (10.63%), fruit damage on a number basis (12.34%), and fruit damage on a weight basis (11.44%), as well as higher yields. The optimal module (M7) comprised of the following components: (i) Soil incorporation of neem cake at a rate of 250 kg ha^-1 (50% during the last plough and 50% at 3 weeks after transplanting); (ii) Installation of pheromone traps at a rate of 5 acre^-1, beginning from flower bud initiation (45 days old crop) until final harvest, with lures changed on a monthly basis; (iii) Mechanical clipping of drooped shoots and removal of infested fruits from the field at weekly intervals; (iv) Release of multiple insecticide tolerant Trichogramma chilonis at a rate of 1.25 lakh ha^-1 at weekly intervals (4 times) from 30 days after planting (DAP); (v) Alternating spray of Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC at a rate of 0.3 ml L^-1 and Novaluron 10% EC at a rate of 1.5 ml L^-1 at fortnightly intervals beginning from 70 DAT was found to be the best module for brinjal growers.