Bio-efficacy of oil combinations against two spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch. on Bhendi under in vitro conditions

AbstractTwo spotted spider mite (TSSM) Tetranychus urticae, a major non-insect pest of Bhendi crop caused huge setback in cultivation. A study was carried out to evaluate the bioefficacy of different oil combinations against two spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Koch) on Bhendi by leaf disc and dry film methods under in vitro conditions. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design (RBD) with twelve treatments for Neem (Azardirachta indica) oil combinations by leaf disc method and dry film method under in vitro conditions with different concentrations (T1 to T4 - 1%; T5 to T8 - 2%; T9 to T12 - 3%; C - Control) in four replications. Similarly, fifteen treatments for Pungam (Millettia pinnata) oil and Pinnai (Calophyllum inophyllum) oil combinations by leaf disc method and dry film method under in vitro conditions with different concentrations (T1 to T5 - 1%; T6 to T10 - 2%; T11 to T15 - 3%; C - Control) in four replications. Number of dead adults of the two spotted spider mite (TSSM) were recorded for two days (48h) at 12h and 24h intervals after treatment application. The maximum mite mortality of 97.5% (Neem oil + Pungam oil (3%) – T9) and 95% (Neem oil + Pungam oil (3%) - T9) was observed by leaf disc method and dry film method, respectively. Similarly, maximum mite mortality of 90% (Pinnai oil + NSKE (3%) - T15) and 87.5% (Pinnai oil + NSKE (3%) - T15) was observed by leaf disc method and dry film method, respectively.