Pest management in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) through bio-rational products under organic farming systems

In organic farming, secondary metabolites of plants can be used to manage insect-pests in crops. Various plant-derived compounds have been reported to exhibit insecticidal properties. However, due to farmers' dependence on synthetic pesticides, plant extracts are not widely popular. On the other hand, excessive use of synthetic pesticides has led to negative impacts on human health and the environment, which can be mitigated through eco-friendly techniques. Brinjal is an important vegetable crop in India. Considering these factors, the present study evaluated organic extracts such as modified Agniastra (MAA), modified Brahmastra (MBA), and Dharek extract (DE), applied at 7.5, 10.0 and 12.5 L/ha for the control of various insect-pests under organic conditions. A standard check of homemade neem extract (HMNE) at 4.0 L/ha and an untreated control were also included. Among the organic extracts, MBA and MAA at 12.5 L/ha performed best, showing a significant reduction in the whitefly population, lower fruit damage due to shoot and fruit borer, higher fruit yield, and better economic returns. DE at 12.5 L/ha was the next best treatment based on these parameters.