Efficacy of different insecticides against gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) and their safety to the beneficial fauna

Helicoverpa armigera is a serious pest of Chickpea. This study was conducted to determine the comparative efficacy of eight different insecticides viz; Novaluron 10 EC, Flubendiamide 480 SC, Emmamectin benzoate 1.9 EC, Spinosad 240 SC, Bifenthrin 10 EC, Bacillus thuringensis (Bt), Lufenuron 5% EC and Spinetoram 120 SC against the larvae of H. armigera and their safety to beneficial insects on chickpea in experimental area of Entomological Research Institute, Faisalabad Pakistan were recorded. After 3 days of insecticidal application, Bifenthrin and Emmamectin benzoate showed highest reduction of the larval population (86.53%, 76.80%), after 7 days of insecticidal application Bt and Lufenuron showed highest mortality percentages (84.97%, 77.33%) and then after 14 days with the application of Bt and Lufenuron (76.47%, 68.33%) mortality percentages were recorded. After 3 days, Lufenuron and Spinetoram gives highest population survival of the beneficial insects as compared to other insecticides. After 7 days, Bt and Spinetoram while after 14 days the highest survival percentages were recorded in Bt and Lufenuron. Considering the results of the experiment Bacillus thuringensis, Bifenthrin and Lufenuron found to be the most effective insecticide while Novaluron and Flubendiamide were least effective insecticides for the control of H. armigera.