EVALUATION OF BIO-RATIONAL INSECTICIDES FOR ECO-FRIENDLY MANAGEMENT OF LOOPER AND POD BORER OF SOYBEAN

ABSTRACT: Soybean (Glycin max) is high in protein and vegetable oil grown widely globally and nationally. About 15-20% of the total soybean production is lost directly or indirectly by the attack of insect pests every year. The study was conducted during October 2024 to April 2025 in the field and laboratory of the Department of Entomology of Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU), Gazipur to assess some selected bio-rational insecticides against looper and pod borer of Soybean with 6 treatments and 3 replications following randomized complete block design. Biomax 1.2 EC (Abamectin) @ 1 ml/L, Success 2.5 SC (Spinosad) @ 1 ml/L, Biotrin (Matrine 0.5% AS) @ 1.5 ml/L, Bio BTK (Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki) @ 1 g/L, Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE) @ 50 g/L were the key elements of the treatment and an untreated control plot was maintained for comparison. Looper and pod borer were found in the soybean field and those pests were effectively controlled by two sprays of Biomax 1.2 EC (Abamectin), Success 2.5 EC (Spinosad), Biotrin (Matrine 0.5% AS), Bio BTK (Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki) and Neem Seed kernel Extract (NSKE). Among the treatments, the highest percent of pod infestation reduction over untreated control plot was found in Success 2.5 SC (91.6% by n/n) treated plot as well as the highest yield (4.4±1.1 MT/ha) and MBCR (4.6) was recorded with management approach comprising 2 sprays of Success 2.5 SC (Spinosad)@ 1.5 g/L of water. This management approach might be an effective, suitable and viable approach for suppressing looper and pod borer in soybean field. 

Keywords: Soybean pests, Helicoverpa armigera, Looper, Bio-rational insecticides