Field bio-efficacy, phytotoxicity of different insecticides against invasive leafminer, Liriomyza huidobrensis in potato and its safety to natural enemies

Abstract

In order to assess the efficiency of different pesticides, their phytotoxicity, and the safety of natural enemies in potato fields of the Nilgiris district against the recently existing invasive pest, Liriomyza huidobrensis, two field experiments were conducted at two different locations, namely Kukkal in Kotagiri and Kappachi in Ooty, both located in the district Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. The outcomes showed that cyantraniliprole 10.26 OD @ 75 g a.i. /ha and chlorantraniliprole 18.5 S @ 30 g a.i. /ha were helpful for managing L. huidobrensis. Following spraying, coccinellid and spider populations first declined, but gradually rose. Following it, Profenofos 50 EC @ 500 g a.i. /ha was also demonstrated to yield favourable results, but it was rejected because it significantly reduced the population of natural enemies. Additionally, it was discovered that none of the pesticides had any phototoxic effects on potato during the trial. In light of the fact that profenofos 50 EC has a similar impact on the natural enemy population as cyantraniliprole 10.26 OD and chlorantraniliprole 18.5 S @ 30 g a.i. ha-1, they can be used successfully as a management strategy for potato leaf miner.