An integrated and novel approach towards control of onion thrips

Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) is a key pest of onion, causing considerable yield losses and quality deterioration under field conditions. Indiscriminate reliance on synthetic insecticides has resulted in resistance development, environmental contamination and adverse effects on non-target organisms. The present study evaluates a low-cost Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy combining botanical oils, Eco-Ring and Agro-Cake bio-formulations, and cultural, physical and mechanical tools for the management of onion thrips larvae, with cypermethrin included as a chemical standard. Laboratory bioassays were conducted using botanical oils of Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) at graded concentrations, while field trials tested Eco-Ring and Agro-Cake placed around onion plants together with yellow sticky traps, reflective mulching, low-suction vacuuming and maize as a barrier crop. Nirgundi oil produced the highest larval mortality among the botanicals and showed efficacy comparable to cypermethrin at the highest dose. Eco- Ring and Agro-Cake caused sustained suppression of thrips populations due to slow release of bioactive ingredients. The integrated IPM package achieved the greatest reduction in thrips incidence and substantially decreased dependence on chemical insecticides, indicating its potential as a sustainable strategy for onion thrips management.