Emamectin Benzoate 1.9 EC and 5 SG: A Safer Insecticide to Predatory Spiders of Bhendi [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]

Bhendi is a vital vegetable crop in India is heavily infested by a variety of insect pests causing considerable damage and yield loss. Borers are major pests of economical importance. The indiscriminate use of insecticides has affected the population of bio control agents. Emamectin benzoate is an avermectin effective against several pests in number of crops. Two field experiments were conducted to study the impact of emamectin benzoate on spiders of bhendi ecosystem. Emamectin benzoate 5 SG and 1.9 EC @ 7,11 15 and 20 g a.i. ha-1 was tested in comparison with Emamectin benzoate 5 SG @ 11 g a.i. ha-1 with different trader, chlorpyrifos 20 EC @ 200 g a.i. ha-1 and untreated check. Observations on the population of spiders were made prior to spraying and on 3, 7, 10 and 14 days after spraying from 10 randomly tagged plants per plot and the mean was worked out. Results clearly showed that emamectin benzoate 5 SG and 1.9 EC was found to be relatively safer to spiders at all concentrations tested. However, among the insecticidal treatments, highest population was recorded in plots treated with Emamectin benzoate @ 7 g a.i. ha-1 followed by emamectin benzoate @ 11 g a.i. ha-1, respectively.