Use of certain bio-products for insect-pest control

Abstract

The present study was carried out in remote villages of the Mandi, Bilaspur, Shimla, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts of the Himachal Pradesh to identify the important Indigenous Technology Knowledge (ITKs) in use, methods for managing the insect-pests of the different crops and to document the same.&nbsp; Farmers commonly use ash against chewing and sucking type of insect pests. Use of cattle litter not only enriches the soil fertility but also reduces the insect-pests of the crops significantly. The bioproducts namely aged cow urine, <i style="">Vitex negundo</i> Linn., <i style="">Ferula assafoetida</i> Linn<i style="">, Aloe barbadensis </i>Mill<i style="">., Nicotiana tabacum</i> Linn. and whey<i style=""> </i>were found to be very effective against the insect pests of cabbage, wheat, peas, grams and other crops. Such an assessment was essential because these are the innovative eco-friendly sprays, which are economically viable for small farmers and have already been adopted by the farmers in some locations. The choice of indigenous bio-insecticides has been found to be effective as well as eco-friendly. This will also help in reducing the load of insecticide on the ecosystem.