MANAGEMENT OF SAFFLOWER APHID THROUGH   SEED DRESSERS

C. P. Mallapur, Rudra Naik, G.G.Gulaganji and S.G.Raju

 Abstract

Various seed dressing chemicals were evaluated in their effectiveness against the safflower aphid Uroleucon compositae Theobald under field conditions at Agricultural Research Station, Annigeri. The results of two years experimentation [1998-99 and 1999-2000] indicated that the seed dressing chemicals viz., Imidachloprid 70 SP (5 g / kg seed), Carbosulfan (20 g / kg), Endosulfan 50 WP (10 g / kg) and Chlorpyrifos 50 WP (10 g / kg) were as effective as Carbofuran soil application (10 kg / ha) in reducing the initial pest load on safflower.  The treatmental effect was reflected in the seed yield wherein the above-mentioned seed dressers recorded significantly more yield (8.1 to 8.4 q/ ha) than the untreated check (6.2 q/ ha).  Although the yield response was marginal, these seed dressers may be efficiently used in reducing the aphid build up on the crop due to the low treatment costs.

Key words: Safflower aphid, Uroleucon compositae Theobald, aphid management, seed dressers, Carbosulfan