Field evaluation of biocontrol agents and plant products against <i>Leucopholis lepidophora </i>in arecanut

An experiment was conducted to know the efficacy of different bioagents and plant products against arecanut white grubs. Field study was conducted in 21 years old areca plantation with a white grub incidence of 50 per cent. The results indicated that highest per cent of larval reduction was recorded in Imidacloprid 17.8 SL (78.95 %) and was found to be more effective followed by Bacillus thurngiensis (68.55%) and Metarhizium anisopliae (53.20%). Other bioagents and plant products also reduced the grub population but was not significant. As a result, the findings of this study could be used as part of a bio-intensive whitegrub management and integrated pest management programme to promote sustainable arecanut production.