ECO-FRIENDLY MANAGEMENT OF OKRA SHOOT AND FRUIT BORER USINGBIO-CONTROL AGENTS

Abstract

An experiment was conducted in the experimental field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka to evaluate the bio-control agents for the eco-friendly management of okra shoot and fruit borer. The experiment was comprised of seven treatments including untreated control following Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments of the experiment were T1= Application of Trichogramma evanescense @ 5 Tricho card / plot at 7 days interval, T2= Application of Trichogramma evanescense @ 0.08 g / plot at 7 days interval, T3= Application of Bracon hebetor @ 10 adults (Male: Female = 4: 6)/ plot at 7 days interval, T4= Application of Bracon hebetor @ 15 adults (Male: Female = 6: 4)/ plot at 7 days interval, T5= Application of Bacillus thuringiensis Serovar kurstaki @ 2ml suspension /liter water / plot at 7 days interval, T6= Application of Bacillus thuringiensis Serovar kurstaki @ 1ml suspension /liter of water / plot at 7 days interval, T7= Untreated control. The treatment (T5) gave the best result in reducing the shoot infestation (57.90%), as well as fruit infestation by number and weight (55.28% and 48.97%, respectively). The highest yield (6310 kg/ha) as well as (43.50%) and girth (23.07%) of fruits and yield (54.85%) of okra was produced in T5. Similarly, the highest BCR (11.41) was achieved byT5, which was higher than all other treatments.