Field Evaluation of Pyriproxyfen 10 EC for the Management of Sucking Insect Pests of Chilli (Capsicum Annuum L)

Abstract

Field investigations were carried out during the chilli growing season of 2024 under farmers’ field conditions with the technical support of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Hoshiarpur and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kapurthala (Punjab), to assess the bioefficacy of Pyriproxyfen 10 EC against major sucking insect pests of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). The experiment was conducted at Village Chandsu Brahmna in District Hoshiarpur and Village Boolpur in District Kapurthala under natural infestation of aphids and whiteflies. Three treatments, namely Pyriproxyfen 10 EC @ 160 ml/acre, Malathion 50 EC @ 400 ml/acre and an untreated control, were evaluated. Pest population was recorded one day before spray and at 3, 7 and 10 days after spray. Pyriproxyfen 10 EC recorded the maximum suppression of aphid and whitefly populations, reducing aphids from 5.9 to 0.5 and whiteflies from 14.1 to 1.7 per three leaves at 10 days after spray. The lowest leaf curl incidence (2%) and the highest yield (67.8 q/acre) were also observed in Pyriproxyfen-treated plots. The treatment exhibited a comparatively safer effect on natural enemies, indicating its suitability for inclusion in integrated pest management strategies. The study concludes that Pyriproxyfen 10 EC is an effective option for managing sucking insect pests in chilli under Punjab conditions.