Abstract

Surya Fazle Abed*, Muhammad Kazi and Khaleda Ali Bhashani

Neem oil, Mehagoni oil, Bishkatali leaf extract, larvin 75 WP and diazinon 60 EC were assessed for their performance in controlling Red pumpkin beetle Aulacophora foveicollis (Lucas). Bottle Gourd variety BARI Lau-4 was planted in Entomology Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, following Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications . The effectiveness of the treatments against the pest was evaluated on the basis of beetle population per plant and leaf infestation at 24, 48 and 72 HAT and 7 DAT in field level. Considering the effects of chemical insecticides, both larvin 75 WP and diazinon 60 EC were found to be statistically identical and highly effective in reducing beetle population. Among the botanicals, Neem oil at 7.5% showed better response whereas beetle population was relatively higher in Bishkatali leaf extract treated plots. For each treatment, the number of red pumpkin beetle per plant was at its minimum at 24 HAT that exhibited upward trends in the following intervals. In addition, after the final spray, percent leaf infestation decreased only in the chemical treated plots other than few exceptions.