Utilization of nuclear polyhedrosis virus in the integrated control of fruit-borer (Helicoverpa armigera) on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)

An experiment was conducted during spring season of 1992 and 1993 to study the effectiveness of nuclear polyhedrosis virus alone and in combination wi th endosulfan in the integrated control of fruit-borer [Helicoverpa armiger a (Hubner) on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Miller nom. cons.). Three spr ays of endosulfan 0.07% at 10-day intervals starting from 50% flowering of the crop proved to the best. Likewise application of Helicoverpa armigera n uclear polyhedrosis virus @ 700 larval equivalent/ha gave better protection to tomato crop from H. armigera to 98.25-100.00% reduction in larval popul ation, 6.89% mean fruit damage, 57.49 kg/plot (4 m x 5 m) mean total yield and 53.64 kg/plot mean marketable yield; and it was as effective Helicoverp a armigera nuclear polyhedrosis virus @ 500 larvae equivalent/ha dose. Sequ ential application with first spray of endosulfan 0.07% followed by 2 spray s of Helicoverpa armigera nuclear polyhedrosis virus @ 250 larval equivalen t/ha greatly reduced the larval population and was comparable with endosulf an 0.07% applied alone in 3 sprays.