author(s)
Irulandi S, MI Manivannan and A Ravi Kumar

abstract
The present study was conducted to assess the infestation, life stages and the efficacy of bio-pesticides and insecticides against skipper in banana. The results of life history of banana skipper, E. thrax indicated that the female laid eggs in clusters on the under surface of the leaves of banana plant. The infestation of banana skipper was low in Kadali and Karpooravalli while higher infestation was registered in Nendran and Matti. Life stages of incubation, total larval and pupal period ranged from 6 - 8 days, 24 - 32 days and 10 - 12 days, respectively. Among the treatments, chlorpyriphos, profenophos, Azadirachtin 10000 ppm and Baeuveria bassiana were recorded the highest per cent reduction and also higher fruit yield with better cost benefit ratio.