IMPROVING THE EFFICACY OF PONGAMIA OIL WITH COMBINATIONS OF BOTANICAL OILS AGAINST SUCKING PESTS OF CHILLI

Abstract

The study evaluated the efficacy of various oils and combinations against sucking pests of chilli. The concentration of emulsifier for efficient emulsification of oils was also studied. Detergent powder @ 0.3% effectively emulsified pongamia oil @ 2.5, 5.0 and 10%. Combination of pongamia oil + neem oil + cotton seed oil + citronella oil (50:25:15:10 ratio) @ 2.0% was superior in management of sucking pests followed by pongamia oil + neem oil (50:50 ratio) @ 2.0%. Botanical oils and their combinations had no direct impact on pollinators and natural enemies except citronella oil. Pongamia oil + neem oil + cotton seed oil + citronella oil (50:25:15:10 ratio) and pongamia oil + neem oil (50:50 ratio) yielded significantly higher yield over other treatments.