Bioassay of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki against okra shoot and fruit borer Earias vittella Fabricius

Abstract

Okra (bhendi), Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench is one of the most important vegetable crop grown extensively in India along with Gujarat state throughout the year. Different insect species are known to attack okra of which shoot and fruit borer Earias vittella Fabricius act as major constraint in achieving potential yield (Rai et al., 2014; Halder et al., 2015). The microbial insecticide, Halt 5 % W.P. (55000 S.U./mg) is the product of bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (serotype H 3a, 3b, 3c) can be eco-friendly alternative to eco-destabilizing chemical insecticides, against Earias vittella Fab. a noxious lepidopteran pest infesting okra all over India.