Incidence of Amaranthus foliage feeders in relation to different organic soil amendments

Effect of different organic soil amendments on the incidence of Amaranthus leaf feeders, Spoladea recurvalis (=Hymenia recurvalis) and Herpetogramma sp. was evaluated and compared with inorganic plots. Highest foliage feeder incidence (62.4%) was observed on treatment where 100% FYM-N was added followed by treatment consisting 50% vermicompost-N + Panchgavya + Biofertilizers (Azotobacter and PSB) with61.48% plant damage. Amongst all the treatments, lowest leaf damage (48.31%) was recorded in treatment consisting of 50% FYM-N+ Panchgavya + Biofertilizer (Azotobacter and PSB) and treatment of 50% Vermicompost-N + Jeevamrit +Biofertilizer (Azotobacter and PSB) which were statistically at par. Paradoxically, inorganic plots with recommended doses of chemical fertilizers harboured significantly highest leaf damage (66.55%) than any of the organic treatments. The number of spiders was significantly higher in all the organic plots as compared to the inorganic and control plots (1.67 and 1.13/plant, respectively). From the studies it is evident that inorganic plots harboured lower number of predatory fauna (spiders) and higher number of foliage feeders (leaf eating caterpillar and leaf webber) than any of the organic plots.