Foliar application of natural products reduces population of two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch on parthenocarpic cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under protected environment

The indigenously prepared natural products namely; cow urine, Darekastra, fermented buttermilk, Panchgavya, Tamarlassi, vermiwash and biopesticide formulations i.e. Azadirachtin 0.15 EC and Eupatorium 5 EC possessing acaricidal activity were evaluated for their bioefficacy against Tetranychus urticae and their effects on cucumber fruit yield under protected environment. After 85 days of transplanting, preventive spray of bioacaricides, vermiwash (15.36 mites/leaf) and Darekastra (16.22 mites/leaf) resulted into lower mite population per leaf whereas curative spray of Darekastra significantly reduced mite population levels (112.53 mites/leaf). The effect of bioacaricide application in the form of spray was also quantified in terms of cucumber fruit yield. The bioacaricides applied as preventive sprays enhanced the cucumber fruit yield. High fruit yield was observed after preventive spray of bioacaricides viz. Tamarlassi (1660.67 g/plant), vermiwash (1656.50 g/plant) and Darekastra (1626.0 g/plant). As curative spray, Darekastra resulted into high fruit yield (1446.33 g/plant). Among the biopesticide checks, Azadirachtin 0.15 EC performed best in managing mite population levels and enhancing the fruit yield under both management measures.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the efficacy of locally prepared bioacaricides against Tetranychus urticae and their impact on cucumber fruit yield. The results showed that preventive spray of bioacaricides can reduce mite population levels and also increase cucumber yield.