S. B. JagginavarKrishnappa A. Biradarpatil2017-03-062017-03-06http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810004199Studies on survey, crop loss estimation and management of capsule borer in safflower, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) were conducted at College of Agriculture Bijapur during rabi season of 2013-14. The survey indicated that the activity of safflower capsule borer was recorded in all the taluks of Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka. However, the maximum capsule borer larva was recorded in Hunagund and Naragund taluks. Among different cropping systems, sole safflower as well as chickpea based intercropping systems recorded higher capsule borer and natural enemies like Campoletes chlorideae, coccinelids and Chrysoperla zastrowi recorded more in Hunagund and Basavan Bagewadi taluks. The loss in yield of safflower due to capsule borer was assessed by cage method under field condition. A maximum yield loss of 62.85 per cent was observed in the 10 larvae of capsule borer were released. The economic injury level of H. armigera was found to be 0.53 larva per plant. Among different insecticides tested against capsule borer, the lowest capsule borer per plant was recorded in rynaxypyr 20 SC @ 0.15 ml/l and was on par with emamectin benzoate 5% SG @ 0.20 gm/l, novaluron 10 EC @ 0.75ml/l. Biodigester @ 1:3 ratios, NSKE 5%, NPV @ 250 LE/ha, Btk @ 1 gm/ha treatments proved superior in recording the maximum number of predators Viz., C. zastrowi and coccinellids. The highest yield and benefit cost ratio was recorded in rynaxypyr 20 SC @ 0.15 ml/l followed by emamectin benzoate 5% SG @ 0.20 gm/l and spinosad 45 SC @ 0.1 ml/l.ennullThesis