Field Efficacy of Different IPM Modules for Management of Aphid on Cumin (Cuminum Cyminum L.) Under Semi-Arid Conditions

Abstract Aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) and Aphis gossypii Glower (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are the two major species damaging cumin crop throughout the cumin growing states of India. Its infestation initiated on cumin crops at 20 days after seed germination with very low incidence and became abundant at 70-80 day after seed germination during second week of January till February when crops are in full grown stage. Since cumin is most important seed spice crop, having huge nutritional, medicinal and aromatic properties, and its seed and essential oil is exporting in many countries over the world, hence quality production is the major challenge for the growers. The multiple sprays of chemical pesticides with heavy doses for pest management induce resistance in aphids, harmful to natural enemies and also enhance the pesticide residue level in the produce (seed). With this approach, the present study was conducted for two consecutive years to evaluate the cumulative effect of botanicals, cultural and physical methods, bio-pesticides, and bio-control agents and insecticides in the form of IPM module for the management of aphid and relative safety to natural enemies in cumin under field conditions. In this study, amongst eight different IPM modules evaluated against aphid, module M-5 consisted by seed treatment with imidacloprid 600FS @ 3ml/kg seed followed by foliar spray of ker plant extract @ 10ml/litre, Verticillium lecanii (1x108cfu/g) @ 6g/litre, and fipronil 5%SC @ 0.035% at definite interval secured efficient management of aphids (>92% mortality) with relative safety to natural enemies and minimized pesticide residue in the seeds. The highest seed yield (934 kg/ha), test weight (5.24 g), essential oil (5.98%), economics (Rs.1.08 Lakh) and B: C ratio (3.69:1) was obtained by the application of IPM modules M-5. Similarly, the higher seed yield 1072.5 kg per hectare (21.19% appreciation over farmers practices) was also recorded in field validation study under non replicated field in large area, proved its effectiveness by the farmers. Consequently, it recommends that IPM module M-5 consisted with botanical product, entomopathogenic fungi and insecticides exhibited sustainable aphid management module for cumin, comparatively safer to natural enemies and lower residue level in the seeds.