Efficacy and economics of application methods of insecticides against safflower aphid, Uroleucon compositae Theobald

摘要

Studies conducted to evaluate the effective and economical methods of application of insecticides for the control of Uroleucon compositae Theobald on safflower revealed that seed treatment with imidacloprid protected the crop upto 60 days after germination, beyond which the aphid infestation warranted further protection measures. Imidacloprid seed treatment + imidacloprid spray, monocrotophos spray and both imidacloprid and monocrotophos stem applications were effective in controlling the pest. There were no significant differences in percentage population reduction between sprays and stem applications. Sprays with profenofos, imidacloprid, monocrotophos and thiamethoxam recorded higher yield than corresponding stem applications. However, among allapplication methods, sprays proved to be more effective and economical than seed treatment + sprays and stem applications.