MARIGOLD AS A TRAP CROP FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF TOMATO FRUIT BORER, HELICOVERPA ARMIGERA IN TARAI REGION OF UTTAR PRADESH

Abstract

The use of marigold as a trap crop for the management of Helicoverpa armigera (tomato fruit borer) in tomato was evaluated. The proportion of larvae counted on trap row increased with increasing rate and main crop decreased with decreasing rate 60 and 80 days after transplanting. All the treatment combinations recorded lowest fruit damage, larval population on tomato but trapped higher larvae on marigold. Moreover, planting of 25 days old tomato seedling with 40 days old marigold seedling in 5:1 row combinations observed (77-87%) larval reduction than sole crop was significantly better than other treatments. Low calorific value of marigold increases the larval mortality rate.