Laboratory Evaluation of Commercial Neem Formulations Vis-a-Vis Insecticides against Egg Parasitoid, Trichogramma japonicum Ashmead (Hymonoptera:Trichogrammatidae)

Laboratory experiments were carried out to study the effect of neem formulations vis-a-vis insecticides on Trichogramma japonicum Ashmead, based on rate of parasitization and emergence of adults from parasitised eggs. The results revealed that Econeem and Neem Azal T/S (0.1-1.0 %) were safer compared to insecticides, particularly quinalphos and chlorpyriphos which had adverse effects on parasitization. Some neem formulations like Nimbecidine (0.25-4.0 %), Neemgold (2.0-4.0 %) and Rakshak (1.0%) also had adverse effects on parasitism.