Evaluation of Biopesticides for the Management of Brinjal Aphid (Aphis gossypii Glover)

Abstract
Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is an important vegetable crop grown extensively across India; however, its productivity
is severely affected by sucking pests, particularly aphid (Aphis gossypii Glover). Indiscriminate use of chemical insecticides
has resulted in resistance development, residue problems, and adverse effects on non‑target organisms. Hence, the
present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of selected biopesticides against aphid infestation in brinjal under
pot culture conditions. The experiment was conducted during 2025 - 2026 at the School of Agriculture, Vels Institute of
Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, Pallavaram, Chennai. The experiment was laid out in a Completely
Randomized Design with six treatments and four replications. Among the treatments, Neem oil 3% and Beauveria
bassiana (1 × 10⁸ conidia/ml) recorded significantly lower aphid population and higher fruit yield compared to the
control. Biopesticides were also found to be safer to predatory coccinellids. The study concludes that biopesticides can
be effectively incorporated into sustainable aphid management strategies in brinjal cultivation.