Stage-specific Sequential Insecticide Applications against the Pod Borer Complex in Pigeonpea

Background: The pod borer complex and pod sucking bugs affect the yield potential of pigeon pea. Scheduled application of insecticides, wherein sprays are aligned with crop phenology and pest dynamics offer a more targeted and effective approach. A study on the evaluation of sequential application of insecticides against major pests of pigeon pea was conducted at the regional agricultural research station (RARS), Warangal (GPS 18o00'38.5"N 79o35'45.3"E) for three consecutive years from Kharif 2022 to 2024 in the medium maturity pigeon pea cultivar ‘Warangal Kandi-2 (WRG 255). Methods: The study was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with ten treatments including a control each replicated thrice. The sequential treatment was applied at flowering, pod formation and pod maturation stage (15 days intervals between each spray) during the crop season. Result: The results revealed that sequential spraying of Indoxacarb at 0.8 ml/l at flowering, Flubendiamide at 0.2 ml/l at pod formation and Lufenuron at 1.2ml/l at pod maturation was found most effective in suppressing pod borers while Lambda cyhalothrin at 1 ml/l at flowering, Chlorantraniliprole at 0.3 ml/l at pod formation and Lufenuron at 1.2 ml/l at pod maturation provided superior control of pod sucking bugs. These sequential treatments not only minimized pod damage but also resulted in significantly higher grain yields compared to untreated control. Importantly, rotating insecticides with different modes of action offers an effective resistance management and aligns with integrated pest management (IPM) for sustainable pigeon pea production.