<b>Efficacy of Neem in combination with cow urine against mustard aphid and its effect on coccinellid predators</b>

Abstract

Natural Product Radiance - Mar. 2005Neem leaf extracts (NLE) and neem kernel extracts (NKE) in cow urine, neem oil, insecticides Phosphamidon, Dimethoate and their combinations were evaluated against the mustard aphid, <i>Lipaphis erysimi</i> Kalt. alongwith their impact on the activity of predator, coccinellid beetles. The treatments significantly reduced incidence of mustard aphid and increased the grain yield of mustard. Combination treatments of Dimethoate 0.03% either with NKE 3% or NLE 3% followed by Dimethoate 0.045% and Phosphamidon 0.04% were most effective in reducing the aphid incidence. Grain yield was maximum in Phosphamidon 0.04% followed by neem oil 1% + Dimethoate 0.03% and NKE 3%. Net profit was also maximum in phosphamidon (Rs. 9246/ha) and NKE 3% (Rs. 5938/ha). Whereas, incremental cost benefit ratio was highest in NKE 2% (15.5) and NKE 3% (15.1). The results conclude that the incidence of mustard aphid can be safely and successfully managed by adopting 3 or 4 foliar sprays of neem kernel extract (in cow urine) 3% either alone or in combination with reduced dose of Dimethoate 0.03%.