Sustainable insect pest management in groundnut using organic amendments and bio-fertilizers: A field-based evaluation

Groundnut cultivation is significantly affected by insect pests such as thrips, leafhoppers, Spodoptera litura, Helicoverpa armigera and Aproaerema modicella, leading to yield losses. Excessive reliance on chemical insecticides has led to environmental concern such as pesticide residues, biodiversity loss and soil degradation, necessitating a shift towards organic alternatives. This study investigates the efficacy of organic amendments and bio-fertilizers in managing major pests and promoting natural enemy populations in groundnut cultivation. Field trials were conducted in two seasonal environments: Kharif 2022 and Rabi 2022-2023. Field trials evaluated the impact of various organic amendments (FYM, vermicompost, neem cake, poultry manure) and bio-fertilizers (Phosphobacteria and Rhizobium) on pest populations and the abundance of natural enemies in groundnut fields. Results showed that neem cake and vermicompost treatments significantly reduced thrips populations and minimized damage caused by S. litura, H. armigera and A. modicella compared to the control. Additionally, these treatments enhanced the populations of natural enemies such as spiders (3.83/10 plants) and ladybird beetles (9.5/10 plants). Moreover, Phosphobacteria application significantly increased spider populations, potentially due to improved soil health and enhanced prey availability, suggesting its role in promoting natural biocontrol agents. Economic analysis revealed that neem cake and Phosphobacteria treatments increased groundnut yield, achieving benefit-cost ratios of 1:2.47 and 1:2.85, respectively, highlighting their economic viability. These findings highlight the importance of organic amendments and bio-fertilizers in sustainable pest management practices, offering practical solutions for enhancing crop productivity and profitability while minimizing environmental impact.