Comparative Assessment of Drone and Knapsack Sprayers for Pod Borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) Management in Chickpea

D. N. Kambrekar; C. P. Mallapur; P. U. Krishanaraj; Kartik Nidagundi; Naveen; Aruna J; Suresh R. Jambagi

doi:10.56093/ijas.v96i8.168231

Authors

D. N. Kambrekar
C. P. Mallapur
P. U. Krishanaraj
Kartik Nidagundi
Naveen
Aruna J
Suresh R. Jambagi Ph.D.

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v96i8.168231

Keywords:

Chickpea , drone, Helicoverpa armigera, natural enemies , phytotoxicity, precision agriculture

Abstract

The effective management of pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera in chickpea is critical to reducing yield losses. This study evaluates the efficacy of drone-based application of two insecticides, chlorantraniliprole 9.3% + lambda-cyhalothrin 4.6% ZC (200 ml/ha) and emamectin benzoate 5% + lufenuron 40% WG (60 ml/ha), compared to conventional knapsack spraying. Field trials were conducted at the Main Agricultural Research Station, Dharwad, during Rabi 2022-23. Drones applied ultra-low spray volumes (20 l/ha), while knapsack sprayers used 500 l/ha. Larval counts, pod damage, yield, and impact on natural enemies were recorded. Drone application achieved a 100% reduction in larval populations up to 10 days after spraying, compared to 60–80% with knapsack spraying. Pod damage was significantly lower with drones (1.50–2.56%) compared to knapsack sprays (11.48–11.67%). Yield increased to 16.50 q/ha with chlorantraniliprole + lambda-cyhalothrin applied via drones, compared to 10.88 q/ha with knapsack spraying. No phytotoxic effects were observed. Drone application increased larval reduction by 38%, reduced pod damage by 78–87%, and enhanced yield by 31–35%. Despite some reduction in parasitoid populations, drones offer superior pest control and operational efficiency, particularly in labor-scarce areas. This study highlights the potential of drone technology for large-scale, precise, and sustainable pest management in chickpea cultivation. Further research is needed to optimize application rates to balance pest control and conservation of natural enemies.

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Author Biography

Suresh R. Jambagi, Ph.D.

Research Associate,Division of Genomic Resources, ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru-560024, Karnataka-India

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