Efficacy of natural products and biorationals against yellow mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Acari : Tarsonemidae) infesting hydroponic Capsicum under protected cultivation

Phytophagous mites especially yellow mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) and two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch cause major problems in the cultivation of capsicum or green pepper under protected conditions resulting in significant yield losses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of different biorationals and natural products against yellow mite, P.latus, infesting capsicum grown in hydroponic system in polyhouse conditions during 2019. The natural products and plant extracts were prepared indigeneously. Results revealed that among all the treatments, pepper extract @ 30ml/l followed by both Brahamastra and Agniastra at the highest doses of 50ml/l caused maximum mortality of mites. Even the PAU home made neem extract and Pongamia extract both @ 12ml/l were found more effective as compared to the Dherek extract. The bioagent, anthocorid bug, Blaptostethus pallescens @ 10 nymphs per plant reduced the mite population after two releases at weekly interval. These natural products and biorationals can be incorporated in integrated mite management programmes under protected cultivation.