Evaluation of Indian Popular Varieties and Validation of Integrated Pest Management Strategies Against Major Pests of Sorghum

Sorghum shoot fly (Atherigona soccata Rondani), Stem borer (Chilo partellus Swinhoe), Head bug (Calocoris angustatus Lethiery) and midge (Contarinia sorghicola Coquillett) are the most important pests of sorghum in southern region of Tamil Nadu. The results on the field evaluation of popular varieties of sorghum over three years (post rainy or winter 2010–2012) revealed that DSV-4 and CSV-216R for shoot fly, DSV-4, Maulee, CSV-15, K-8, Phule Anuradha and M 35-1 for stem borer, Maulee and K-8 for midge were found to be more resistant and promising. In validation of IPM practices seed treatment with imidacloprid 70 WS @ 3 g/kg of seed + spray of metasystox @ 0.07 % or NSKE @ 5 % at 45 DAE, intercropping with cowpea (4:1)+ seed treatment with imidacloprid 70 WS @ 3 g/kg of seed were effective in reducing the attack of above pests. Intercropping with cowpea (4:1)+ imidacloprid 70 WS @ 3 g/kg of seed was the most effective and recorded the highest ICBR (1:25).