Effect of Bio-Rational Approaches on the Larval Population and Pigeonpea Pod Damage by Exelastis atomosa (Wlsm.)

Effect of bio-rational approaches such as intercropping and application of bio-pesticide on the larval population, pod damage, grain damage and grain weight loss by plume moth (Exelastis atomosa (Wlsm.)) infesting pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) was studied. Pigeonpea intercropped with maize, pearl millet, sorghum, rice and black gram had significant effect on the larval population of plume moth when compared with pigeonpea sole crop infestation. The pigeonpea pod damage, grain damage and grain weight loss due to larval infestation in different pigeonpea intercrops and pigeonpea sole crop differed significantly however few exceptions were also recorded. The average larval population, pod damage, grain damage and grain weight loss in different intercrops varied from 0.25 to 0.39 larva/plant, 1.29 to 1.79%, 0.41 to 0.55% and 0.25 to 0.35%, respectively. The pigeonpea sole crop had recorded relatively higher larval population (0.39 larva/plant), pod damage (2.03%), grain damage (0.85%) and grain weight loss (0.59%) than the intercropped pigeon pea. The two sprays of NSKE 5% (first at flowering and pod formation stage and second after 20 days) were found superior in reducing larval population, pod damage, grain damage and grain weight loss. However, the plots devoid of any biopesticidal treatment had maximum larval population (0.68 larva/plant), pod damage (2.75%), grain damage (0.86%) and grain weight loss (0.60%) by E. atomosa.