EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF NEEM CAKE, VERMICOMPOST AND GREEN MANURE ON SUCKING PESTS OF CHILLI

Field experiments were conducted at UAS, Dharwad, Karnataka, S. India during 2003 and 2005 to study the effect of neem cake, vermicompost and green manure (sunnhemp, Crotolaria juncea) at three levels on the activity of chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood) and mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks)., extent of crop damage and yield. The results of two years and pooled analyses indicated that crop amended at planting with neem cake (1000 kg/ha) and vermicompost (2500 kg/ha) were effective in keeping the sucking pests density in check, being comparable to recommended insecticides (dimethoate 30 EC and dicofol 18.5 EC two sprays each). Sunnhemp green manuring at higher dosage (1000 kg/ha) was next in the order of effectiveness. These organics at lower dosages were found inferior to chemical check. Similar trend of efficacy of organics was seen in managing leaf curl manifestations too. Significantly highest red chilli yield was registered in the crop receiving neem cake at 1000 kg/ha (5.68 q/ha), being comparable to recommended insecticides (6.14 q/ha). This was followed by vermicompost at 2500 kg/ha (4.94 q/ha). Untreated crop yielded significantly lowest at 2.20 q/ha red chillies. The research highlights the utility of organics in managing sucking pests of byadagi chilli, that has potential export value.