SURVEY ON THE PRESENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF GUAVA INSECT PESTS IN SOME SELECTED AREAS OF PIROJPUR DISTRICT

Abstract

Thirty guava growers from Nesarabad upazila were purposively selected for conducting the survey on the present management practices adapted by growers against guava insect pests in major guava growing area of Bangladesh. Total of 30 guava growers were interviewed and made a clear observation during the period from 23 November 2014 to 14 May 2015. A well structured interview schedule was developed based on objectives of the study for collecting information. Survey findings revealed that white fly, fruit fly maggot, aphid and mealybug were the major insect pests in guava. In case of management practices, the highest plant infestation was recorded from GP1 (63.33%), whereas the lowest plant infestation was observed from GP5 and GP4 (3.33%). The highest fruit infestation was recorded from GP1 (56.67%), whereas the lowest fruit infestation was observed from GP5 (3.33%). The highest benefit cost ratio (BCR) was recorded from GP5 (3.08), while the lowest BCR was observed from GP1 (2.37). For using different combination of insecticide, the highest plant infestation was recorded from IC1 (50.00%), whereas the lowest from IC5 (3.33%). The highest fruit infestation was recorded from IC1 (43.33%), whereas the lowest fruit infestation was observed from IC5 (3.33%). The highest BCR was recorded from IC5 (3.42), whereas the lowest BCR was observed from IC1 (2.50). Application of combined/integrated control tactics/measures were more effective for guava cultivation compared to single control measure.