author(s)
Arundhati Sasmal

abstract
Finger millet (Eleusine coracana Gaertn) popularly known as ‘Ragi’ is known for its unique nutritional properties and climate resilience. The present investigation was conducted at Berhampur, OUAT, Odisha during Rabi seasons of 2013-14 and 2014-15. In reference to the loss caused by pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens Walker (Noctuidae; Lepidoptera) in finger millet during Rabi season, the experiment was designed for deciding an appropriate management practice against pink stem borer. The experiment constituted seven treatments: release of Trihogramma chilonis four times at weekly interval, foliar spray of neem oil (300 ppm) @1.5lt/ha at 30 and 45 days after sowing (DAS), foliar spray of Bacillus thuringiencis (Bt) @1kg/ha at 30 and 45 DAS, soil application of Fipronil (0.3% GR) @20 kg/ha at 30 DAS, soil application of Cartap hydrochloride (4%GR) @20kg/ha at 30 DAS, soil application of Carbofuran (4%GR) @30kg/ha at 30 DAS and untreated control. In the present experiment application of Cartap hydrochloride (4%GR) @20kg/ha applied in the soil at 30 days after sowing (DAS) performed best against pink stem borer recorded 3.2%dead heart, 4.9% white ear head and highest incremental yield (7.9q/ha). This treatment had highest net benefit (Rs 10,250/ha) satisfy the economic viability.