Efficacy of different insecticides against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on seed crop of berseem in Punjab.

Five insecticides i.e. Endosulfan 35 EC @ 1250 ml, standard check, Endosulfan 35 EC @ 2500 ml, Spinosad 48 SC @ 150 ml, Indoxacarb 15 EC @ 500 ml, Cypermethrin 25 EC @ 200 ml, Chlorpyriphos 20 EC 2500 ml per hectare along with untreated control were evaluated against gram caterpillar, Helicoverpa armigera on seed crop of berseem. Total two sprays were given first was gmin when the attack of young larvae was observed in the field after the last cutting of crop and 2nd spray was given 10 days after the first spray. All the treatments reduced the larval population of test insect significantly except the standard check. Out of these insecticides Spinosad 48 SC found to be the most effective insecticide for the control H. armigera and this insecticide was closely followed by Indoxicarb 15 EC. But Cypermethrin 25 EC was the heapest one. Therefore alternative sprays of different insecticides are recommended for the control of H. armigera in seed crop of berseem.