MANAGEMENT OF PINK MEALYBUG, MACONELLICOCCUS HIRSUTUS (GREEN) (HEMIPTERA : PSEUDOCOCCIDAE), A MAJOR PEST OF MULBERRY (MORUS ALBA L.) WITH BOTANICALS
S.K. MUKHOPADHYAY *
CENTRAL SERICULTURAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING INSTITUTE BERHAMPORE-742 101, INDIA.
M.V. SANTHA KUMAR *
CENTRAL SERICULTURAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING INSTITUTE BERHAMPORE-742 101, INDIA.
A.K. SAHA *
CENTRAL SERICULTURAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING INSTITUTE BERHAMPORE-742 101, INDIA.
A.K. BAJPAI *
CENTRAL SERICULTURAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING INSTITUTE BERHAMPORE-742 101, INDIA.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Three botanicals were tested individually and in combination to find their effectiveness for management of pink mealy bug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus. Among the treatments consistent reduction of meally bug population was observed with 1.5% Pongamia oil, 2.0% Neem oil and 1.0% Neem oil + Pongamia oil (1 : 1), up to 14 days of spray. Tukra incidence also reduced to a considerable level with the above treatments up to 21 day of spray. Benefit cost ratio of 1.5% Pongamia oil and 1.0% Neem oil + Pongamia oil (1 : 1) treatments are higher, in comparison to chemical control.
Keywords: Mealy bug, Tukra, botanicals