Evaluation of insecticides against thrips (Thrips tabaci L) in onion crop

Abstract

Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is one of the most destructive pests of onion, causing significant yield losses through direct feeding and transmission of plant pathogens. To safeguard onion productivity,effective management strategies are essential. A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2022 at the Main Agricultural Research Station, Dharwad, to evaluate the efficacy of newer insecticide groups against T. tabaci. The experiment was laidout in a randomized block design (RBD) with 13 treatments replicated thrice, using the onion variety Bhima Shakti. Insecticidal efficacy was assessed by pooling data from the first and second sprays. Results indicated that chlorantraniliprole8.8 SC + thiamethoxam 17.5 SC (T6) was the most effective treatment, recording 84.31% reduction in thrips populationover the untreated control, followed by acephate 50 WG + imidacloprid 5 WG (T10) with 79.90% reduction. Spinosad 45SC (T1) and spinetoram 11.7 SC (T3) were also highly effective, reducing thrips population by 77.79 and 77.53%,respectively. These findings demonstrate the potential of newer insecticide formulations for managing T. tabaci in onionecosystems and provide valuable insights for strengthening integrated pest management strategies.