Abstract
A field study on self trap cropping system in controlling tukra mealy bug Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green) incidence on mulberry (Morus spp.; V-1 variety; $3'{\times}3'$ spacing) gardens was undertaken in selected sericulture farmers' mulberry gardens of Pydeti village (Parigi Mandal, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India). The study was conducted for three years (2004, 2005 and 2006). Four treatments (T0; control/no treatment, T1; self trap cropping rows with 10 row interval, T2; self trap cropping rows with 10 row interval and treating these rows only with 0.5% neem oil emulsion and T3; self trap cropping rows with 10 rows intervals and treating all the mulberry rows including self trap cropping rows with 0.5% neem oil emulsion) were considered. The results indicated that the incidence increased in T0 and T1 while the same suppressed in T2 and T3. The suppression (%) of tukra incidence between T2 and T3 was not significant. Hence, T2 only was recommended to farmers as its economical viable practice. The results are discussed based on the importance of tukra, its suppression and cost of treatment.