Relative Efficacy of Six Insecticides Against Gram Pod Borer, Helicoverpa armigera on Chickpea

During the rabi seasons of 1989–90, 1990–91 and 1991–92, the efficacy of six insecticides (monocrotophos, endosulfan, fluvalinate, cypermethrin, decamethrin and fenvalerate) was evaluated against Helicoverpa armigera Hubner on chickpea. One spray was given at 50% flowering. Monocrotophos was the most effective insecticide (21.01% pod borer damage). The highest grain yield was obtained in plots sprayed with monocrotophos (9.85 q/ha), followed by fenvalerate (8.75 q/ha), cypermethrin (8.32 q/ha), endosulfan (8.20 q/ha), decemethrin (7.15 q/ha), and fluvalinate (6.71 q/ha). Avoidable losses ranged from 11.10% (fenvalerate 0.005%) to 56.47% in untreated control. Maximum cost: benefit ratio was obtained with fenvalerate 0.005% (1: 31.50), followed by endosulfan 0.03% (1: 21.5), and monocrotophos 0.05% (1: 17.5).