Evaluation of buprofezin for the management of grape mealy bug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green)

Buprofezin as foliar spray at 1125 and 1500 ml/ha was tested for its bio-efficacy against grape mealy bug Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) in comparison with carbosulfan and chlorpyriphos during rabi 2002 and 2003 seasons. Buprofezin reduced the nymphal and adult population and bunch infestation of M. hirsutus and increased the fruit yield as compared to untreated check and recommended insecticides. As the efficacy of both the doses was statiscally on par, the lower dose of 1125 ml/ha is sufficient to effectively mitigate the mealy bug colonies. There were no phytotoxic symptoms observed on any part of the treated plants due to any of the insecticides.