Evaluation of Plant-Based Products for the Management of Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) on Kharif Mungbean
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Field experiments were conducted at the Entomological Research Farm, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, during kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023 to evaluate eight plant-based products and one synthetic insecticide against whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), on mungbean variety ML 1808. Treatments included PAU homemade neem extract, homemade dharek extract, neem oil, Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE 5%), castor oil, sesame oil, linseed oil, detergent powder at three dose levels each, and Actara 25WG (thiamethoxam) as a chemical check. Two sprays were applied and populations were recorded 3, 5, 7 and 10 days after each spray. Pooled analysis revealed that Actara 25WG @ 40 g/acre recorded the lowest population of B. tabaci (1.76 adults per trifoliate leaf) three days after the first spray, while PAU homemade neem extract @ 2000 ml/acre (2.87 adults per trifoliate leaf) was the most effective botanical, at par with neem oil @ 500 ml/acre and dharek extract @ 2000 ml/acre. Detergent powder @ 100 g/acre was least effective. The study establishes PAU homemade neem extract and dharek extract as promising eco-friendly alternatives for integrated management of sucking insect pests of mungbean.
Source: Research Square
Institution: Punjab Agricultural University
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7207544261