Efficacy of different insecticides against cotton mealy bug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Sternorrhyncha: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae) in ecological zone of Rahim

A field experiment was conducted during summer seasons 2012 and 2013 to determine the efficacy of different insecticides against cotton mealy bug (Phenacoccus solenopsis) at Adaptive Research Farm Rahim Yar Khan. Five different insecticides prophenophos 50EC @2000ml/ha, carbosulfan 20EC @1250ml/ha, Imidacloprid 20SL @625ml/ha, malathion 57EC @1250ml/ha and Dimethoate 40EC @625ml/ha were evaluated in a three replicated RCBD method including an unchecked. Before application of insecticides, the pre treatment observations were taken on mealy bug, while post - treatment observations on mealy bug were taken after 3 rd , 5 th and 7 th days of application of insecticides. However, prophenophos 50EC (97.15%) showed its effectiveness up to 7 th day of the spray. While, imidacloprid 20SL (91.9%) and dimethoate 40EC (85%) was next to prophenophos. This attained its effectiveness up to 7th day after application. Least controlled was observed when applied carbosulfan 20EC (75.5%) and malathion 57EC (58%).