Efficacy of Biorational Insecticides against Gram Pod Borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in Chickpea [Cicer arietinum (Linnaeus)] in Kanpur Region of Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

This study evaluates the efficacy of various biorational insecticides against the gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in chickpea, Cicer arietinum (Linnaeus) crop in the Kanpur region of Uttar Pradesh, India. Field experiments were conducted using the chickpea variety KGD-1168 over two consecutive Rabi seasons (2023-24 and 2024-25), employing a Randomized Block Design with eight treatments, including Spinetoram, Emamectin benzoate, HaNPV, Bacillus thuringiensis, Metarhizium anisopliae, Neem oil and Garlic + Tobacco leaf extract. Results indicated that Spinetoram 11.7 SC and Emamectin benzoate 5 SG were the most effective treatments, significantly reducing larval populations (up to 84.58% and 78.87%, respectively reduction over control), pod damage (down to 6.83 and 7.83%, respectively), and maximizing grain yield (17.63 and 16.62 q/ha, respectively). HaNPV and Bacillus thuringiensis provided moderate control, while Metarhizium anisopliae, Neem oil and Garlic + Tobacco leaf extract were less effective but still superior to untreated control. The cost-benefit analysis highlighted Emamectin benzoate as the most economical option, with the highest incremental cost benefit ratio (ICBR 1:7.95). The findings support the adoption of specific biorational insecticides for sustainable management of H. armigera, improved chickpea productivity and enhanced farm profitability.