Efficacy of Capsaicin Rich Botanicals on the Aphid Population in Lablab (Dolichos lablab L.) under Organic Production System

Abstract

Aim: The growing concern for environmental safety and the demand for pesticide residue –free food worldwide have evoked interest in pest management through the use of botanicals, which offers a good alternative to manage the insect pests in an eco-friendly manner. This research was carried out to study the efficiency of botanicals on the aphid population in lablab under organic production system. Study Design: The study was carried out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments and three replications. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at College Orchard, Department of Vegetable Science, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during 2021 - 2022. Methodology:  The study was performed using chilli extract with three concentrations (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5%) and compared with other botanicals such as neem oil, neem seed kernel extract, garlic extract and panchagavya. The aphid population was counted visually before and 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after spraying. Results: The  results showed that after 7 days spraying 95.81 per cent of aphid population was reduced in T3 (7.5% chilli extract) followed by T2 & T1 (5 % & 2.5%) with a population reduction to the level of 95.62 and 91.54 per cent, respectively. This was followed by neem oil with a reduction of 83.50 per cent followed by garlic extract (79.74%), neem extract (76.94%) and panchagavya (62.81%). The inflorescence infestation was also lower in T3 (4.94) which were compared to control. Conclusion:  The application of chilli extract resulted in reduction of aphid population in lablab under organic cultivation. Infloresecence infestation was also recorded minimum in chilli extract treated plots. The chilli extract is non-toxic to humans and does not harm the environment and hence this can be utilized as an alternative to chemical pesticides.