Biorational management of lepidopteran pests complex in mango

Pests like Perixera illepidaria (Looper), Anarsia sp., Dudua aprobola and Nanaguna (Flower webbers), Chlumetia (Shoot borer), Euproctis fraternal and Somena scintillans (Flower eating hairy caterpillars) were found infesting the mango shoots and panicles of Var. Totapuri causing serious economic damage. During 2020 there is an outbreak of looper, Perixera illepidaria in mango in Andhra Pradesh due to which yields were lowered by 30-60%. Biorational method of managing promotes the activity of predators and pollinators in view of the decline in pollinators during the recent years. Among the pests P. illepidaria and Anarsia were found to damage the mango panicles in and around Nuzvid area significantly compared to the other pests recorded during the study period from 2021-2023. Among all the biorationals tested against P. illepidaria and Anarsia (Flower webber) Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG @ 0.4 g/L, Spinosad 45% SC @ 0.25 ml/L were proved to be the best and significantly superior over control followed by Azadirachtin10, 000 ppm @ 2 ml/L + Spinosad 45% SC @ 0.25 ml/L when treatments were imposed at 10 days intervals. Benefit cost ratio was more in Emamectin benzoate 5% SG @ 0.4 g/L (4.3) followed by Azadirachtin10,000 ppm @ 2 ml/L + Spinosad 45% SC @ 0.25 ml/L (3.7) treatments when compared other treatments evaluated. In mango ecosystem spraying before the lepidopteran pest attains Economic Injury Level is crucial in reducing the pest damage to maximum extent i.e at every 10 days interval during peak flowering period.