Appraisal of Biocidal Effectivity of Some Selected Biochemical and Chemical Formulations against Helicoverpa Armigera (Hubner) in Tomato Crop

A large number of field crops are consumed by the Tomato Fruit Borer (TFB), Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) due to its polyphagous behavior. This insect has been reported notorious for causing economic losses in the tomato crop. Chemicals are being used in tomato fields for quick and effective control. Therefore, field trials were performed to evaluate the comparative effectivity of some newer chemical insecticides viz., chlorfenapyr (Pirate® 360SL), chlorantraniliprole (Coragen® 20SC), flubendiamide (Belt® 480SC) and bio-chemical insecticides viz., emamectin benzoate (Proclaim® 1.9EC) and spinosad (Tracer® 240SC) against TFB in the tomato crop. Recommended field rates as provided on the label by the manufacturers were applied under the field conditions. As a result, the insecticide formulation flubendiamide proved to be more effective until the 9th day of insecticidal spray by reducing the pest population up to 92.00 ± 1.74% and 90.02 ± 1.74% after 1st and 2nd insecticidal spray, respectively. However, emamectin benzoate (Proclaim 1.9EC) remained least effective among the selected insecticides and lowest values of 80.02 ± 1.17 and 81.02 ± 1.70% pest reduction were observed after the both spray. None of the insecticide proved to be non-effective against TFB under the field conditions. Hence, these insecticides can be best suited in the IPM program for the pest control.