Trichogramma chilonis as Parasitoid: An Eco-friendly Approach Against Tomato Fruit Borer, Helicoverpa armigera

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is a major pest of several crops, e.g., Tomato, cotton, pigeon pea, and chickpea suffered by this insect in various parts of the worldwide. Trichocards as parasitoids regarding the different release levels of Trichogramma chilonis were used to evaluate the effectiveness against tomato fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera as well as five insecticides with new chemistries were used to find out the comparative bio efficacy, which were relatively safer to human and environment, i.e., Capital plus (Beta-Cyfluthrin + Triazophos, 41.7% EC) 500 ml/Acre, Commando (Acephate, 97% DF) 62 g, Border (Profenofos + Lambda – Cyhalothrin, 61.5% EC) 500 ml/Acre, Polytrin C (Cypermethrin + Profenofos, 440 EC) 500 ml/Acre, Profit (Emamectin Benzoate, 1.9% EC & 90% Tech.) 500 ml/Acre. We also compared the insecticides with trichocards. There were 3 treatments, T1 Profit (Emamectin Benzoate, 1.9% EC & 90% Tech.) 500 ml/Acre, T2 (16000) of biological control agent (egg Parasitoid) and T3 (control plot). 16000 eggs of the parasitoid Trichogram chilonis, released per hectare were most effective in controlling tomato fruit borer. Out of the five insecticides tested, Border proved to be the best one, followed by Profit and Capital Plus in reducing the percent infestation of tomato by tomato fruit borer. In the third experiment, Profit gave best result followed by the Trichograma. chilonis cards with 16000 eggs per hectare. Among the tested insecticides, treatments sprayed with Border gave maximum yield (6179.0 kg/ha), followed by Profit & Polytrin C. Cost benefit ratio shows that highest net return (46.45 BCR) was obtained with Trichograma chilonis cards released plots followed by Profit. Trichocards are suggested for the controlling of Helicoverpa armigera as best substitute for insecticides. The use of trichocards practice have very effective role to protect the soil moreover, this practice may have significant role to protect the soil and save the natural resources from insecticides pollution.