Management of legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on yardlong bean using some new generation insecticides

Abstract

Yard-long bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis) is a protein-rich vegetable widely cultivated in Bangladesh; however, its production is severely hampered by the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata. A field experiment was conducted from February to June 2024 at the Entomology Research Field of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), Dinajpur, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to evaluate four selected new-generation insecticides against this pest. The treatments included Spinosad (Tracer 45 SC), Bio-chamak 1% EW (Celastrus angulatus), Spinetoram (Delegate 11.7 SC), Azadirachtin 1% EC, and an untreated control. Among the treatment, Spinetoram (Delegate 11.7 SC) @ 0.3 ml L-1 consistently resulted in the lowest pod infestation after three applications, reduced infestation by up to 80.56% compared to the control. It also produced the highest yield (9.15 t/ha), with a yield increase of 80.19% and the highest benefit-cost ratio (2.59). Therefore, Spinetoram proved to be an effective and economically viable option for sustainable management of pod borer in yard-long bean cultivation.

J. Bangladesh Acad. Sci. 50(1); 51-58: March 2026