Efficacy of New Chemistry Insecticides against Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis)

Abstract

Solanum melongena, or brinjal, a vital vegetable crop in Pakistan, faces significant damage from the primary pest, brinjal shoot and fruit borer (BSFB), Leucinodes orbonalis , highlighting the urgent need for new chemistry insecticides. The present study investigated the impact of various insecticides on the infestation of BSFB). All insecticides demonstrated a significant reduction in infestation compared to the control, with varying levels of effectiveness. Emamectin benzoate and chlorantraniliprole emerged as the most effective, achieving a 13.33% infestation reduction at 15 days after spray (DAS). Lambda cyhalothrins exhibited similar infestation levels at 15 DAS but with a higher cumulative mean infestation of 13.33%. Imidacloprid and nitenpyram were the least effective, with infestation levels of 26.66% and 20.66% at 15 DAS, respectively. Intermediate efficacy was observed with other insecticides, with infestation levels ranging from 16.66% to 20.66% at 15 DAS. Following subsequent insecticide applications, a consistent reduction in infestation was observed for all treatments compared to the untreated control. Chlorantraniliprole demonstrated the highest efficacy, reducing infestation to 6.66% at 15 DAS, while imidacloprid exhibited the least effectiveness with infestation levels of 23.33% and 20% at 3 and 15 DAS, respectively. Emamectin benzoate remained the most efficacious insecticide in the third spray, achieving a notable reduction to 10% at 15 DAS. The study highlights the temporal decrease in infestation for most treatments over time, contrasting with the steady increase observed in the untreated control group. The findings emphasize the varying efficacy of insecticides in managing BSFB infestation and provide valuable insights for pest control strategies in brinjal cultivation.