Field Efficacy of Different Newer Insecticide Molecules against Litchi Seed Borer, Conopomorpha sinensis Bradley (Lepidoptera: Gracilariidae)

A field study was carried out at ICAR- Research Complex for Eastern Region, Farming System Research Centre for Hill and Plateau Region (ICAR RCER, FSRCHPR), Ranchi in the 25 to 30 years old litchi orchards during 2023 and 2024 to find out effective insecticide molecules for managing this insect pest. The effectiveness of five molecules (Lambda-cyhalothrin 5% EC, Flubendiamide 39.35% SC, Spinetoram 11.7% SC, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC, and Azadirachtin 10,000 ppm) were evaluated at the recommended dosage. Two foliar sprays were applied, one at the fruit pea stage and the second at 15 days after the first spray, and the per cent fruits infested with seed borer reduction over the control was recorded. Application of Spinetoram 11.7% SC @ 0.4 mL, caused 92.62 per cent reduction of pest infestation followed by Flubendiamide 39.35% SC @ 0.4 mL (88.41%). Other insecticides were also found effective but not consistent in both years. Thus, based on the present study results, Spinetoram and Flubendiamide were found effective against seed borer, C. sinensis, and can be recommended for management of C. sinensis on a rotational basis in litchi orchards.