UtiUzation of nuclear poiyhedrosis virus in the integrated control of fruit-borer (Helicoverpa armlgera) on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during spring season of 1992 and 1993 to study the effectiveness of nuclear
polyhedrosis virus alone and in combination with endosulfan in the integrated control of fruit-borer [Helicoverpa
armigera (Hubner) on tomato (Lycopersicon escllientum Miller nom. cons.). Three sprays of endosulfan 0.07% at 10-day
intervals starting from 50% flowering of the crop proved to the best. Likewise application of Helicoverpa armigera
nuclear polyhedrosis virus @ 700 larval equivalen/ha gave better protection to tomato crop from, H. armigera to
98.25-100.00% reduction in larVal population, 6.89% mean fruit damage, 57.49 kg/plot (4 m X 5 m) mean total YIeld
and 53.64 kg/plot mean marketable yield; and it was as effective as Helicoverpa almigera nuclear polyhedrosis virus
@ 500 larvae equivalent/ha dose. Sequential application with first spray of endosulfan 0.07% followed by 2 sPraYs of
Helicoverpa armigera nuclear polyhedrosis virus @ 250 larval equivalentlha greatly reduced the larval popUlation and was
comparable with endosulfan 0.07% applied alone in 3 sprays.