Bioactivity of An Organic Synergist in Enhancing the Efficacy of Neem Kernel Aqueous Extracts (NKAE) and Three Recommended Acaricides in Controlling Tea Red Spider Mite ( Oligonychus coffeae )

The bioactivity of an organic synergist (supplied by the Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology, Gurgaon, India) was assessed to establish the enhanced efficacy of Neem kernel Aqueous extract (NKAE) and three recommended acaricides such as Fenpyroximate 5 EC, Ethion 50 EC and Spiromesifen 22.9 SC against one of the major tea pest, red spider mite under laboratory conditions. The selected three different acaricides, with recommended doses were tested and their efficacies were compared with that of NKAE. The study revealed that organic synergist enhanced the efficacy of Neem kernel powder (NKP) (even it is @ 2.5% NKP) to the tune of almost 45% and enhanced the efficacy of each acaricides to the tune of almost 20-40% compared to the individual treatments which could be further exploited for reducing the pesticide load on tea.