Evaluation of IPM modules for the management of thrips on coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) under semi-arid conditions

Abstract

Three species of thrips viz., Frankliniella schultzei Trybom, Thrips tabaci Lind., and Caliothrips indicus Bag. (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) causes major damage to coriander crops under favourable environmental conditions. Thrips infestation initiated on coriander crop at 20 days after seed germination with very few in numbers and then gradually increased population to its maximum at 45 to 50 days after seed germination. In this study, eight strategically developed IPM modules were evaluated against thrips’s mixed population, amongst them, IPM module M-5 consisted with imidacloprid 600FS @ 3ml/kg (ST) at sowing time followed by foliar application of ker plant extract @ 10ml/lit., Verticillium lecani (1x10⁸cfu/g) @ 6g/lit., and fipronil 5%SC @ 0.035% at definite interval, given effective management of thrips (96.39 and 94.88% mortality in thrips population in 2018-19 and 2019-20, respectively) with relative safety to natural enemies, and pollinators, and lower the pesticide load for pest management practices. Two years study data were also revealed the effectiveness of IPM modules M-5 correlated with higher seed yield (2709 kg/ha), economics (Rs.1.50 Lakh) and B: C ratio (4.9:1). Subsequently, it recommends that IPM modules consisted with botanical product, entomopathogenic fungi based bio-pesticides and insecticides exhibited sustainable management module for thrips on coriander and comparatively safer to natural enemies.