Efficacy of Some Synthetic and Biopesticides Against Pod Borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in Chickpea

Efficacy of some synthetic and biopesticides against pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) damage in chickpea was studied at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ishurdi, Pabna, Bangladesh during rabi cropping season of 2004-05. Synthetic and biopesticides reduced pod borer damage significantly. Significantly lowest pod damage was observed in cypermethrin (5.75%) and HNPV (5.86%) sprayed plots followed by carbaryl (6.05%) and dimethoate (7.92%) treated plots. The bio-control agent, HNPV, showed equally the best performance like synthetic insecticides and also showed higher efficacy than neem based insecticides like nimbicidine (azadiractin 0.03% EC). Pod damage reduction by synthetic insecticides and biopesticides over untreated control ranged from 24.98 to 64.08%. It ranged from 50.53 to 64.08% in synthetic insecticides and 24.98 to 63.40% in bio-pesticides. Significantly the highest yield (1,856 kg/ha) obtained from HNPV sprayed plots which was statistically identical to cypermethrin followed by azadiractin 0.03% EC. The highest net income ($ 105/ha) and marginal benefit cost ratio (3.35) was recorded from HNPV spray followed by cypermethrin ($ 87/ha) and (2.12), respectively. Hence, it might be concluded that HNPV is the best tool in managing pod borer in chickpea considering efficacy, profitability and environment friendly.