LEAFHOPPER MANAGEMENT ON AUTUMN POTATO CROP IN PESHAWAR (PAKISTAN)

Abstract

The trial was conducted from September 1994 to January 1995 in the NWFP, Agricultural University, Peshawar. The highest infestation of the leafhopper (LH) was recorded during December with 15.27 per sweep. However, the pest was well established during November and December. PBM (Potato-Berseem mix cropping) and PRM (Potato-radish mix cropping) were non-insecticidal treatments. Both were found most effective tools for the control of leafhoppers where more than 70% of the population was suppressed throughout the crop season in the natural environment. However, PBM was found better than PRM as 26% more reduction was recorded. Four insecticides, DDVP, Monitor, Anthio and Laser were used in the Insecticidal trial. These were significantly similar and gave better control to the leafhoppers when compared to control plot. Among the non-insecticidal and insecticidal treatments, PBM and PRM were better as the population of the leafhopper was half than that recorded in the insecticidal trials during the peak months of the leafhopper infestation. When weeds were removed regularly, about 12% of the pest population was reduced.