Management of eggplant shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee) by integrating different non-chemical approaches

Abstract

Eggplant shoot and fruit borer (ESFB), Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee, a destructive pest of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), adversely affects quality and yield of eggplant fruit throughout the world. Currently, its management is mainly relied on insecticides which are inimical to humans, livestock and environment. To get rid of the pernicious consequences of chemicals, use of alternative non-chemical approaches has been emphasized. Ergo, in the present study non-chemical methods viz. hoeing, clipping of damaged fruits and shoots and weeding at weekly intervals and a biocontrol agent Trichogramma chilonis individually and in combination were assessed for the management of ESFB. All the treatments though varied in their efficacies, caused significant reductions in infestation of ESFB and increased yield as compared to control. Combination of practices gave better results as compared to individual treatments with few exceptions. In general, the combined treatment (T. chilonis + hoeing + clipping) was found to be the most effective in reducing pest infestations and increasing yield followed by another combined treatment where hoeing, clipping and weeding were applied conjointly. Application of T. chilonis singly was the least effective treatment; however, incorporation of T. chilonis with other practices gave good results. Similarly, integration of hoeing with clipping of infested shoots and fruits at weekly intervals also proved satisfactory in reducing pest infestation and enhancing yield. It is concluded that integration of non-chemical approaches will help reduce infestation of ESFB significantly and will make a major contribution to both climate-change mitigation and sustainable crop production systems.