Evaluation of Some Biopesticides Against Mango Hoppers (ldioscopus clypealis and Amritodus atkinsoni) and Flower Visitors of Mango
Two entomopathogenic fungal based formulations viz., Daman (Beauveria bassiana) and Vertiguard (Verticillium lecanii) alone 5g/L and in combination (3.5g/L) with endosulfan (0.025%) and two neem based formulations viz., Nimbecidine (1.0%) and Spray Aza (0.3%) were evaluated for their efficacy against mango hoppers (Amritodus atkinsoni and Idioscopus clypealis) and safety to beneficial insects on mango under hot and humid agro-climate conditions of Dhaulakuan, Sirmour (H.P) during 2002–04. Minimum number of the hoppers were recorded in trees given sole application of Vertiguard and mixed application of Daman and Vertiguard with endosulfan (0.8 to 1.7/panicle) and was similar to the conventionally recommended endosulfan treatment (0.9/panicle). The hopper population recorded in other treatments ranged between 5.2 to 14.8/panicle. The per cent increase in the population of flower visitors in the above most effective fungal treatments ranged 198.7 to 388.2 over trees given application of monocrotophos. Use of mixed and sole application of these fungal treatments has been suggested for effective management of the hopper menace.