Evaluation of biorationals against fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda, in rabi sorghum

Abstract:

Experiment on “Evaluation of biorationals against fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda, in rabi sorghum” was conducted during the Rabi season 2024-25 at the All India Coordinated Sorghum Improvement Project, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413 722 (M.S.). Among the seven biorational treatments, chlorantraniliprole 18.50 % SC @ 0.4 ml/L recorded lowest per cent plant damage (3.88 %) while, untreated control recorded highest per cent plant damage (18.33 %). It was revealed that maximum ICBR 1:14.6. was obtained from treatment with emamectin benzoate 5 % SG @ 0.4 g/L followed by chlorantraniliprole 18.50 % SC @ 0.4ml/L (1:8.47) and spinetoram 11.7 % SC @ 0.5 ml/L (1:7.15). It could be interpreted from the present results that although there was low net profit in treatment with emamectin benzoate 5 % SG @ 0.4 g/L, the highest ICBR was observed due to low cost on plant protection measures. Metarhizium anisopliae 1.15 % WP was moderately effective and can be recommended as safer, eco-friendly alternatives, particularly for organic or low-residue farming systems. Azadirachtin (10000 ppm) and Karanj oil showed the least efficacy among the tested biorationals but may still contribute as a component of integrated pest management when used in combination.