The comparative assessment of Trichoderma and insecticides on chewing and phloem-feeding herbivores and physiological traits in cucumber

Cucumbers ( Cucumis sativa L ) are economically important vegetable crops globally. However, it is highly susceptible to aphids, whiteflies and red pumpkin beetle that cause significant damage. Currently, chemical pesticide is practiced controlling herbivores, but it has severe health hazards. Trichoderma consider as an eco-friendly management approach for controlling these herbivores. Hence, our study aims to compare the effectiveness of two Trichoderma spp. and insecticides in controlling aphids, whiteflies and red pumpkin beetle of cucumber. We performed semi-field pot experiment with a cucumber variety (F1 hybrid cucumber) using two Trichoderma species (BP1- Trichoderma asperellum (0R125623) @ 2 ´ 10 ⁶ CFU/gm) and BP2- Trichoderma harzianum 2 ´ 10 ⁶ CFU/gm) @ 5gm/liter water), two insecticides (Cord 10 % EC and Cartap 50SP) including a control. Our results found that total insect community were higher in chemical intervention than Trichoderma , showing a significant reduction of herbivorous insect. Trichoderma harzianum showed higher efficacy for controlling herbivores pest density and percent infestation. The foliar application of Trichoderma has positive effects on parasitoids. The incidence of cucumber mosaic virus (%) reduced to 8-10 % than control in dual application of Trichoderma spp. suggested synergistic effects between species. Although total chlorophyll and carotenoids content in leaves remain unaffected, however, the average trichomes per leaves, fruit length and yield/plant significantly increased with both Trichoderma and insecticidal treatments where Trichoderma spp. found effective than insecticide treatment. Our research has broader implications for the management of cucurbits insects and diseases with less dependency on insecticides while considering Trichoderma as a potential alternative.