SPIROMESIFEN (LIPID BIOSYNTHESIS INHIBITOR) FOR MANAGEMENT OF WHITEFLY AND OTHER SUCKING PESTS ON POTATO IN AN INTEGRATED APPROACH

Abstract

In the present scenario of climate change, management of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), a potential vector of apical
leaf curl virus disease on potato to ensure production of disease free good quality potato seed is tough enough without an
integrated approach of management. A combination of two different groups of chemical insecticides was tested to manage
whitefly. Spiromesifen 240 SC, non-systemic chemical belongs to the class of spirocyclic tetronoic acid and thaimethoxam
25WG, systemic chemical belongs to neonicotinoids group were tested on potato crop as alternate foliar sprays under field
conditions. The effect of these chemical was also recorded on other sucking insect pests like leafhopper and aphids which
occurred simultaneously on potato crop. Results obtained indicated that whitefly could effectively be controlled with two
foliar sprays-first of spiromesifen @ 96 g a.i./ha and second of thiamethoxam @ 100 g a.i./ha at 15 days interval and third if
required again of spiromesifen @ 96 g a.i./ha. Therefore, the spray schedule developed in this study would be a very good
strategy to suppress whitefly populations and other sucking pests significantly in potato to ensure better production of seed
and ware potatoes.