Residue behavior of combination mix formulations in/on bittergourd and their efficacy against melon fruitfly.

Persistence behavior of three combination mix formulations of insecticides viz. chlorpyriphos + cypermethrin (Action-505), profenofos + cypermethrin (Roket 44EC) and triazophos + deltamethrin (Anaconda) and their bioefficacy against melon fruitfly were studied in bittergourd fruits following spray application. Half-life values of the constituent insecticides calculated from first order dissipation kinetics were ~2-3 days. Based on acceptable daily intake values, safe waiting period of 3-days is suggested for all the three combination mix formulations at recommended dose of application. Anaconda (1 L/ha) was found to be most effective against Melon fruitfly as it gave 11.72 % (number/number) and 10.93 % (weight/weight) damage as compared to control 41.13 % and 41.16 %, respectively. Anaconda at lower and higher dose (1 and 2 L/ha) was not significantly different. Rocket (2 L/ha) and Action 505 (2 L/ha) were also found effective.