Abstract

Author:
Kafil Ahamad, Rabin Thapa, Rajendra Regmi , Resham Bahadur Thapa, Bhola Gautam

Doi: 10.26480/sfna.02.2020.80.87

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

Cauliflower is a vegetable with huge nutritive benefits and economic importance. However, it is vulnerable to economic damage by many insects and cauliflower aphids (Brevicoryne brassicae) are considered one of them. The irrational use of chemical pesticides for control of pests has become a threat to human health as well as the ecosystem. An alternative method is hence, felt necessary. In this context, a two factorial experiment was laid out in RCBD design to determine the efficacy of various pesticides against cauliflower aphids in different varieties of cauliflower. Three bio-pesticides viz Jholmol, Beauveria(2ml/L), and Neemix(2ml/L) along with a synthetic pesticide Acetamiprid (1g/L) and control (water) were sprayed on varieties: Kathmandu Local, Snow Grace and Snow Mystique. The results revealed that acetamiprid treated plots showed highest reduction of aphids after 4 and 8 days of first and second spray and 4,8 and 12 days of third spray. Significant results were seen among varieties for number of aphids after 12 days of second and third spray as significantly lower number of aphids were seen in Snow Mystique compared to Kathmandu Local and Snow Grace. Acetamiprid was statistically superior over other treatments for reduction of aphids in Snow Grace, Kathmandu Local and Snow Grace, Snow Mystique after 4 and 8 days of third spray respectively. Snow Grace was statistically superior over other varieties for yield, harvest index and curd height. Hence, this study elucidates that Acetamiprid could be suggested for optimum control of aphids. Jholmol, Beauveria and Neemix also showed promising bio-efficacy against aphids. Beauveria and Jholmol could be suggested as cost-efficient pesticides against cauliflower aphids.