Efficacy and Economic Evaluation of Various Biopesticides against Helicoverpa armigera in Chickpea

The field experiment conducted at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar evaluated the efficacy of various biopesticides, including Beauveria bassiana, Bacillus thuringiensis, neem seed kernel extract (NSKE), and neem leaves extract, alongside the chemical insecticide chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC against Helicoverpa armigera in chickpea during the Rabi 2024-25 season. Chlorantraniliprole consistently suppressed larval populations most effectively, achieving the lowest larval density (1.07 larvae/plant at 3 days after first spray) and maintaining superior control through subsequent observations. Among biopesticides, B. bassiana and NSKE recorded moderate larval control. In terms of pod damage and yield, chlorantraniliprole recorded the lowest pod damage (14.8%) and highest grain yield (789.67 kg/ha), while B. bassiana and neem seed kernel extract showed moderate pod damage (23.75% and 32.06%) with significant yield increase (718.31 kg/ha and 632.45 kg/ha). Biopesticide B. bassiana showed the highest incremental cost-benefit ratio (6.98), indicating greater economic efficiency compared to chlorantraniliprole (ICBR 5.57).