Abstract :
Surveys on distribution of sorghum midge at southern region of Tamil Nadu during 2011 to 2014 indicated that, midge observed in all areas of three districts. Effect of abiotic factors on sorghum midge revealed that maximum, minimum temperature, wind velocity and sunshine were positive while maximum, minimum relative humidity and rainfall showed negative correlation. Among bio-intensive management strategies, neem oil 3 per cent showed maximum reduction (63.36), minimum midge incidence/ 5 panicle (17.5) and maximum grain yield (2498 kg/ha) when compared to control (244 kg/ha). The highest incremental cost benefit ratio (ICBR) obtained in Neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) 5 per cent (1:24.7) followed by neem leaf extract 5 per cent (1:22.3) treated plots.
Keyword :
sorghum, midge, Contarinia sorghicola; survey, population dynamics, bio-intensive management