Utilization of bio-control agent in management of okra pest

Abstract

Field studies on the efficacy of bio-control agents (lacewing and Trichograma) in the management of okra pests were carried out at the trial area of Entomology Section, Agriculture Research Institute, Tando Jam. Seeds of okra (Subz pari) were sown on 7th February 2017 in a complete randomized block design with three replications. The biocontrol agents, lacewing and Trichogramma (1300 eggs/card) each were released. Lacewing was found very effective against aphid, jassid and whitefly in the field. Aphid was found at early stage of crop and touched the maximum level in midFebruary, therefore its population decreased quickly. Jassid increased linearly and was high after 6th week of observation and then decreased subsequently till picking of the crop. On the other hand, whitefly population increased linearly till 9th week of observation and then decreased and eventually disappeared from the crop on 19th week of observation. Trichogramma was observed as a main natural enemy of spotted bollworm of okra and reduced bollworm population. The population of bollworm increased slowly till harvesting of the crop. It is concluded from the present study that both the bio-control agents successfully lowered the populations of sucking and chewing insect pests and bollworms of okra. Lacewing was found effective against sucking insect pests while Trichogram efficiently controlled bollworms and are recommended for field applications. These bio-control agents can also be incorporated in IPM strategy