Field-efficacy of new molecules against insect-pests of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.)

Cashew has become a crucial economic asset in the forest estates of various parts of India, with extensive plantations contributing significantly to local livelihoods. However, it is now facing serious threats from insect-pests, particularly the Tea Mosquito Bug (TMB) and thrips. A field experiment was conducted during the year 2024-25 to assess the effect of different new generation insecticides on insect-pests of cashew and their natural enemies. Treatments include Broflanilide 300 gl-1 SC (0.25ml l-1), Fenpropathrin 30% EC (2 ml l -1), Fluxametamide 10% EC (1 ml l-1), Chlorfenapyr 10% SC (1.5ml l-1), Thiamethoxam 25% WG (0.5gl-1), Lcyhalothrin 5% EC (ml l-1) anduntreated check. Evaluated insecticides against cashew TMB and thrips found that three sprays of T2 (Fenpropathrin 30% EC at 2 ml l-1) was most effective, recording the lowest 0.27 and 0.14 DS respectively however it was at par with L-cyhalothrin 5% EC (ml l-1) with 0.34 and 0.23 DS per leader shoot. Among lepidopteran pests’ lowest percentage incidence for Shoot Tip Caterpillar, Leaf Miner and Leaf Folder found in treatment Broflanilide 300 gl-1 SC (0.25ml l-1) was most effective, recording the lowest 0.37, 0.73 and 0.61 DS respectivelyit was at par with L-cyhalothrin 5% EC (ml l-1) with 0.41, 0.80 and 0.84 DS per leader shoot. The populations of natural enemies showed significant differences across the various treatments. Fluxametamide 10% EC (1 ml l-1) consistently supported the highest densities of beneficial arthropods, with spiders averaging 0.58 adults per leader shoot, black ants at 0.31, and ladybird beetles also at 0.31. This suggests that Fluxametamide has minimal detrimental effects on these natural enemies.Among the treatments, highest 1387 kg ha-1 cashew yield along with 2.81cost benefit ratio was recorded in T2 - Fenpropathrin 30% EC, at 2 ml l-1 which was followed by T1 - Broflanilide 300 gl-1 SC at 0.25ml l-1with 1346 kg ha-1and 1.92C: B ratio. This study demonstrated that Fenpropathrin 30% EC (2 ml l1 ) proved to be the most effective insecticide in reducing damage and infestation by tea mosquito bug, thrips, and lepidopteron pests in cashew cultivation, outperforming other treatments in yield also.