Bio-efficacy of enhanced diatomaceous earth with boric acid against Citrus mealy bug (Planococus citri)

Abstract

The present study was carried out to determine the bio-efficacy of Diatomaceous Earth with Boric acid against sucking pest Citrus mealy bug; Planococus citri. Three dose rates of Diatomaceous Earth with Boric acid were evaluated against the Citrus mealy bug (Planococus citri) in comparison to synthetic chemical (Bifenthrin). Diatomaceous Earth with Boric acid show the excellent mortality 81.02% on Citrus mealy bug; 3 rd instar (Planococus citri) at 30+30 gms per liter of water; after the 7 days of application in comparison to standard chemical (Bifenthrin) at 10 ml per liter of water.