Bio-efficacy of methoxyfenocide against Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera litura on groundnut

Methoxyfenocide, an ecdysteroid agonist was evaluated in the field for its bio-efficacy against Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera litura on groundnut. Methoxyfenocide applied as foliar spray at 200 g a.i. ha−1 reduced the larval population of both the pests significantly and resulted in increased pod yield. No phytotoxic symptom was observed when the chemical was applied at a higher dose of 600 g a.i. ha−1 and residue was at below detectable limit in haulm, shell and kernel (limit of detection 0.125 mg kg−1) and in oil (limit of detection 0.250 mg kg−1).