The use of insecticides with high bioefficacy plays a crucial role in reducing the injudicious use of chemical-based inputs in agriculture, ultimately promoting more sustainable farming practices.
Introduction to Citrus Butterfly Pest Control
Citrus crops, belonging to the Rutaceae family, are a significant part of global agriculture, with India ranking third in citrus production worldwide, following China and Nigeria. India's northeastern region is home to many native citrus species, with mandarin being the most widely cultivated due to its high vitamin C content and delightful aroma. The citrus industry thrives in states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, where districts like Sirsa, Hisar, Bhiwani, Gurugram, and Fatehabad lead in production.
Despite its success, citrus cultivation faces severe threats from abiotic and biotic stressors, with insect-pests being a major constraint. Among them, the citrus butterfly (Papilio demoleus), commonly known as the citrus caterpillar, poses a serious challenge to farmers. These pests can cause devastating damage to citrus crops, leading to significant economic losses.
Managing Citrus Pests with High-Bioefficacy Insecticides
Various pest management strategies—cultural, mechanical, and biological—are commonly used to address the citrus caterpillar problem. However, these methods often fall short in heavy pest attacks due to labor-intensiveness and inefficiency. This highlights the need for effective pesticide use, especially insecticides that are environmentally safe yet highly effective against pests.
New insecticide molecules need to be regularly evaluated to identify their bioefficacy and environmental impact. Among the tested insecticides, quinalphos 25EC demonstrated the highest efficacy, with a 52.43% to 85.34% reduction in the citrus butterfly larval population. This makes it one of the most effective options due to its broad-spectrum contact and stomach action.
Other effective insecticides include:
- Chlorpyriphos 20EC, which reduced the larval population by 48.06% to 72.67%.
- Imidacloprid and Thiamethoxam, which, thanks to their systemic and trans-laminar action, also showed significant pest control.
On the other hand, nimbecidine 0.03% was the least effective, with a 27.17% to 56.01% reduction, demonstrating the importance of choosing the right insecticide for optimal pest control.
Conclusion
The effective management of citrus pests, especially the citrus butterfly, requires the use of highly efficacious insecticides. As agricultural science advances, the development and use of less hazardous chemicals can help protect crops while promoting environmental sustainability.
By incorporating the right insecticide strategies, like quinalphos 25EC, farmers can significantly reduce citrus butterfly infestations and improve crop yields, benefiting both the agriculture sector and the economy.
Dr. Meenakshi Devi
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Agricultural Science
SGT University
