Evaluation of Bio-Efficacy of Biorational Insecticides against Mustard Aphid [Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)] in Mustard (Brassica juncea) in the Kanpur Region of Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

This study evaluated the bio-efficacy of various biorational insecticides against the mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) in mustard (Brassica juncea) over two Rabi seasons (2023-24 and 2024-25) at Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The experiment, conducted using a Randomized Block Design, tested treatments including Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE @ 5%), Leccanium laccani (2g/litre), Beauveria bassiana (5g/litre), Lantana camara leaf extract (5%), Garlic extract (5%), Parthenium leaf extract (5%), and Eucalyptus leaf extract (5%), alongside a water spray as a control. Results indicated that NSKE (5%) was the most effective treatment, significantly reducing aphid populations and yielding the highest mustard yield (12.25 q/ha) and cost-benefit ratio (1:10.10) on a pooled basis. Leccanium laccani (2g/litre) and Beauveria bassiana (5g/litre) also showed high efficacy, performing comparably to each other and significantly better than the control and other botanical extracts. Treatments with Lantana camara leaf extract and Garlic extract demonstrated moderate effectiveness. Parthenium and Eucalyptus leaf extracts were the least effective among the tested biorationals, while the control showed the highest aphid infestation and lowest yield. The study concludes that NSKE, Leccanium laccani, and Beauveria bassiana are promising biorational options for sustainable management of mustard aphids.