43. Impact of Trichogramma chilonis on Tomato fruit worm (Helicoverpa Armigera Hub.) in Tomato crop

Abstract

To find out the effect of different density levels of Trichogramma chilonis against tomato fruit borer Helicoverpa armigera, an experiment was carried out at Agriculture Research Institute (ARI), Tarnab Peshawar during summer 2016. Experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block design consisted of four treatments including control was replicated five times each treatment having plot size 8x5 m2. Parasitized eggs of T. chilonis were taken in the following numeral T1 (400), T2 (800) and T3 (1200) and were applied twice respectively. Pest infestation, percent weight loss in fruits and yield data were recorded on different intervals. Results showed that the larval infestation of H. armigera varied according to the released level of the parasitoid. Minimum infestation (0.50) H. armigera larvae plant-1 was recorded in T3 followed by T2 (0.62), T1 (1.00). As maximum infestation were recorded in control (3.40). Higher yield of tomato was recorded in T3 (9160 kg ha-1) and lower in control (5920 kg ha-1). Similarly, lowest percent weight loss was recorded in T3 (12.40%) and maximum in control (43.58%). Based on lower larval infestation, minimum percent weight loss and higher yield, treatment T3 (1200 parasitized eggs) is here by recommended for the safe and effective management of H. armigera in tomato crop. The study was focused on reducing H. armigera infestation, increase in tomato yield and attain environmental safety by means of T. chilonis.

Keywords: Biopesticide; Helicoverpa armigera; Tomato; Trichogramma chilonis

http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2020.90048