Bt eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) in Bangladesh: Fruit production and control of eggplant fruit and shoot borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee), effects on non-target arthropods and economic returns

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205713
• Publication Date: 2018-11-21T19:04:41Z
• Authors: M. Z. H. Prodhan; M. T. Hasan; M. M. I. Chowdhury; M. S. Alam; M. L. Rahman; A. K. Azad; M. J. Hossain; Steven E. Naranjo; Anthony M. Shelton
• Keywords: Leucinodes orbonalis; Melongena

Eggplant or brinjal (Solanum melongena) is a popular vegetable grown throughout Asia where it attacked by fruit and shoot borer (BFSB) (Leucinodes orbonalis). Yield losses in Bangladesh have been reported up to 86% farmers rely primarily on frequent insecticide applications reduce injury. has developed released four varieties producing Cry1Ac (Bt brinjal) the first country do so. We report replicated field trials comparing Bt their non-Bt isolines, with without standard spray regimes. Results of two-year study (2016-17) indicated had increased production minimal BFSB infestation compared respective isolines. Fruit for varied from 0-2.27% 2016, 0% 2017, was not significantly affected regime either year. In contrast, lines reached 36.70% 2016 45.51% even weekly spraying. An economic analysis revealed that all higher gross returns than The non-sprayed isolines resulted negative most cases. Maximum yield obtained sprayed plots plots, indicating other insects such as whiteflies, thrips mites can plant vigor subsequent weight. Statistically similar densities non-target arthropods, including beneficial were generally observed both varieties. additional trial focused single variety its isoline provided results levels, sprays, similarly demonstrated no significant effects arthropods. Together, these studies indicate are extremely effective at controlling affecting provide greater