Integrative approaches for the management of jujube beetle, Adoretus pallens

Jujube, Ziziphus mauritiana is one of the most ancient fruit crops of Sindh, Pakistan consumed for its nutritional and medicinal purpose. However, the occurrence of foliage insect pests especially jujube beetle (Adoretus pallens Har) is the major threat to reduce the quality and quantity of fruits, ultimately causing tremendous economic loss to the growers. Thus, the main focus of current study was to develop the Integrative Pest Management (IPM) approaches for jujube beetle. Light trap, botanicals (Neem Seed Extract, NSE; Neem Leave Extract, NLE; Dhatur and their combinations: Dhatur+NSE, Dhatura+NLE) and insecticides (Larsben, Laser, Radiant, Polytrine-C and Tal Star-) were evaluated for the control of A. pallens. Maximum mean population of two years was light trapped on 30th June and 30th May followed by 30th September, 15th June and 30th August, however, no significant difference was observed for trapping of A. pallens in these months. Significant reduction in the infestation of A. pallens was obtained with Neem Seed Extract (NSE) followed by NSE+Dhatura and Neem Leave Extract (NLE)+Dhatur indicates their higher efficacy. Lorsben followed by Radiant was remained more effective, which reduced A. pallens population below the ETL, whereas, the efficacy of Talstar and Polytrine-C was observed poor. It is obvious from the current study that A. pallens can be managed efficiently by using light trap and NLE, however, in case of severe infestation Lorsben and Radiant are suggested.