Biological control of tephritid fruit flies Bactrocera spp. in Himachal Pradesh, India

Over the years, chemical-based insecticides have been used to enhance crop yield in the agricultural industry. However, the hazards associated with these insecticides have highlighted the need for an alternative method that is economical, eco-friendly, and safe. In this investigation, the efficacy of various biological materials, such as Neem kavach, Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo), and clay, was evaluated against fruit flies under open field conditions. The results revealed that the highest infestation was recorded in the control (71.67 %), while the lowest infestation (25.67 %) was observed in the plot treated with B. bassiana (1.5 %). This was followed by Neem kavach-treated plot (4 %) with an infestation rate of 26.67 %, and the clay-treated plot (15 g/L) with an infestation rate of 38.67 %, after the third spray. The impact of these biological agents on cucumber yield was also evaluated. The highest yield, 9.36 kg/plot, was obtained from the B. bassiana-treated plot, followed by Neem kavach-treated plots with yields of 8.94 and 7.28 kg/plot, respectively. The lowest yield of 4.58 kg/plot was recovered in the untreated plots. These findings suggest that the application of these biological agents is highly effective, as they repel egg-laying (oviposition deterrence), thereby minimizing fruit infestation and maximizing yield profit.