Studies on Biology and Chemical Control of Melon Fruitfly CucarbitaeCag Infesting Bitter Gourd
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Date
1996
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Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi
Abstract
The melon fruitfly (Dacus cucurbitae coq.)is one of the serious pest of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.). The bitter gourd is widely cultivated by the farmers in and around Ranchi, the one of the most important vegetable belts of Chotanagpur region.Laboratory and field experiments were conducted in order to:
1)To study the biology of the melon fruitfly,(ii) to determine the comparative efficacy of few insecticides and botanicals against adults of melon fruitfly in laboratory , and (iii) to conduct field trial with some insecticides/ botanicals for the control of fruitfly on bitter gourd.
Biological aspects of the melon fruitfly was studied by rearing D. cucurbitae under laboratory conditions. Laboratory evaluation of some insecticides and botanicals viz. endosulfan,quinalphos, malathion,fenthion, dichlorvos,fenitrothion, dimethoate and neem oil against adults of cucurbit fruit fly reared on bitter gourd was carried out. Insecticides were sprayed on small pieces of fruit fly affected bitter gourd and observations for mortality counts were recorded upto 8 hrs at an interval of 2 hrs.
Dichlorvos, neem oil ,fenthion and dimethoate were found to be superior and can be recommended for control of adult fruitfly.
Field trial for the control of fruit fly infesting bitter gourd by spraying thrice the same insecticides as for laboratory evaluation were also evaluated. A positive correlation between infestation and number as well as weight of fruit was evident. Lowest fruit fly attack was recorded in plots sprayed with fenthion followed by neem oil and quinalphos. Highest bitter gourd yield was also recorded from the plots sprayed with fenthion and neem oil.
Considering the performance of insecticides both under laboratory and field trials, fenthion and neem oil can be recommended for the control of fruitflies infesting bitter gourd under the agro-climatic conditions of Chotanagpur.