Management of Melon Fly, Bactrocera Cucurbitae Coq. on Bitter Gourd Momardica charantia Linn. by Using Plant Products

摘要

The melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae Coq heavily infest the bitter gourd, Momardica charantia L. and causes damage ranging from 15--100%. Several studies shown that the contact and systemic insecticides have their own limitations in controlling the melon flies. Presently the best available suggestion would be the utilization of plant products, which cause minimum disturbance in the ecosystem. Percent of infestation (12.63), pupal density (24.57), and emergence of adults (17.00) was lowest in neem oil treatment whereas highest percent of infestation, pupal density and adult emergence was recorded in Vitex negundo leaf extract, custard apple seed extract and honge seed extract, indicating that the treatments were ineffective. The highest fruit yield (8,176 kg/ha) was recorded in neem oil. The cost benefit ratio (1: 27) was highest in mohuva seed extract treatment.