Biocontrol of Tea pests using a Botanical pesticide -Vidi Greenpath

Abstract

Four weekly foliar sprays of Vidi Greenpath along with a sticker, Adpro Shootin in four different doses were applied at two sites in organic(site 1)and conventional tea(site 2) field in Darjeeling District against sucking pests of tea. Seventy to hundred percent reduction in thrips infestation on plucked shoots was observed after 2nd round of spray in organic tea field and one hundred percent control of thrips infestation was observed after 3rd round of spray in conventional tea area. Seventy eight to 100% reduction of jassids infestation on plucked shoots was observed 7 days after the 1st round of spray in organic tea field and 94-100 percent reduction of jassids infestation was observed 7 days after the 3rd round of spray in conventional field. There was 41-82% reduction of red spider infestation 7 days after the 1st round of spray in the organic field and 84-100% reduction in infestation of red spider mites 7 days after the 2nd round in conventional field. Seventy seven per cent reduction of infestation of Helopeltis at the conventional area was observed after the second roun d of application. No phytotoxic symptoms were observed on plucked shoots.