Influence of intercropping and ecofriendly biopesticides on population dynamics of pigeon pea pod borer complex

A two year experiments were conducted on pigeonpea (C. cajan (L.) Millsp.) cv. Bahar to manage the population dynamics of pod borer complex under the regime of intercropping and utilization of ecofriendly biopesticides. The insect pests infesting reproductive stage of the crop i.e. H. armigera, L. boeticus, E. atomosa, G. critica, C. gibbosa and M. obtusa were more common during both years. The intercropping had significant influence (P<0.10) on the reduction of larval population of pod borer insect pests. The pigeonpea intercropped with sorghum was found most effective in suppressing the population of L. boeticus, E. atomosa and M. obtusa. Pigeonpea + rice intercrop had lowest population of H. armigera and G. critica while pigeonpea + pearl millet intercrop create unfavorable environment for population build-up of C. gibbosa. The two spray of ecofriendly biopesticide (first at flowering and pod formation stage and second after 20 days of first spraying) NSKE 5%, B.t.k. and nimbecidine were found effective in reducing the larval population of pod borers, among which two sprays of NSKE 5% was found most effective.