Vol. 12, Issue 2 (2023)

Author(s):
VA Padar, VU Sonalkar, SS Kale, PN Mane and RM Shinde

Abstract:
In India, major sorghum growing states are Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. The production of sorghum in these states is severely hampered due to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Among these, biotic stress particularly shoots fly infestation in sorghum is a major concern impacting the sorghum crop in the state. To manage the shoot fly infestation farmers adopts chemical insecticides either by seed treatment or foliar sprays. However, chemical pesticides have certain ill effects like environmental pollution, harmful to non-target pests, resurgence of minor pest etc. The plant derived oils or extracts had nontoxic effects and could be used for management of shoot fly in sorghum. Therefore, in the present study attempt has been made to evaluate the efficacy of some plant oils as seed treatments and sprays in kharif sorghum for shoot fly management. In present study, Seed treatment with Karanj oil @ 5 ml/ kg seed followed by neem oil @ 20 ml/l spray 7 DAE and seed treatment with neem oil @ 5 ml/kg seed, followed by neem oil @ 20 ml/l spray 7 DAE are effective against shoot fly oviposition. None of the treatment schedule does not affect egg count 14 and 21 days after emergence.