Comparative effect of biopesticides on sucking insects and yield of bitter gourd

The effect of different botanical extracts on the population density of aphids, whiteflies, and thrips in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) was studied at the Agricultural Research Institute Tarnab, Peshawar, Pakistan during 2017–18. The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and five treatments: Cypermethrin, Azadirachta indica (Neem), Parthenium hysterophorus., Eucalyptus globus, and a control. Results showed that both cypermethrin and botanical extracts significantly reduced pest populations and increased yield. The lowest number of aphids (0.88/leaf), whiteflies (0.90/leaf), and thrips (0.93/leaf) were recorded in cypermethrin-treated plots, followed by neem extract. In contrast, the highest numbers of pests were observed in control plots, with aphids (5.60/leaf), whiteflies (8.89/leaf), and thrips (5.96/leaf). The maximum number of fruits per plant (22.79) and yield (24.80 kg per treatment) were obtained with cypermethrin, followed by neem extract, whereas the control treatment produced the lowest yield (10.81 kg per treatment). Among botanicals, neem extract was the most effective in suppressing pest populations, performing better than eucalyptus and parthenium extracts. These results suggest that neem extract can be a valuable component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs for bitter gourd. The findings highlight the potential of combining eco-friendly botanicals with reduced reliance on synthetic insecticides for sustainable crop protection