Economic Appraisal of Pest Management Options in Okra

Field studies were conducted to determine the comparative effect of neem and tobacco based synthetic insecticides and use of natural enemies on insect pests of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). Maximum mean population of insect pests was recorded in control, while it was minimum on okra fields treated with synthetic insecticides as compared to botanical treated fields. Population of natural enemies viz, lady bird beetles, Chrysoperla spp. spiders and predatory bugs was minimum in synthetic insecticides treated fields compared to botanical treated fields. There was negative a correlation between insect pests and natural enemies population. It was concluded that biopesticides are safe to natural enemies and integration of biopesticides with natural enemies have a good impact on crop yield parameters. The cost benefit ratio was maximum in case of biosal followed by natural enemies as compared to the application of synthetic insecticides.