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 fruitborer) in tomato was evaluated. The proportion of larvae counted on trap row increased withincreasing rate and main crop decreased with decreasing rate 60 and 80 days after transplanting. Allthe treatment combinations recorded lowest fruit damage, larval population on tomato but trappedhigher larvae on marigold. Moreover, planting of 25 days old tomato seedling with 40 days oldmarigold seedling in 5:1 row combinations observed (77-87%) larval reduction than sole crop wassignificantly better than other treatments. Low calorific value of marigold increases the larval mortalityrate.