Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a vital vegetable in South Asia and various other countries. The Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer is a significant pest that causes substantial losses to farmers, resulting in up to 80% damage to fruits. This study was conducted during the Rabi season of 2022 at a local farmer's field in Malam Jaba Swat. Five insecticides via Chlorpyrifos 20 EC (Dursban) at a rate of 1000 ml/ha, Chlorantraniliprole 20 SC (0.006%), Cypermethrin 25 EC at a rate of 250 ml/ha, Neem oil and Tobacco leaves extract were evaluated for their effectiveness against the shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis. The application of Chlorantraniliprole 20 SC resulted in the lowest percentages of shoot infestation (14.17%) and fruit infestation (10.42%), along with the highest yield (665.0 kg/ha^-1) and the maximum CBR (cost-benefit ratio) of 10.6. Cypermethrin 25 EC also showed promising results with shoot infestation at 14.76%, fruit infestation at 13.42%, yield at 611 kg/ha^-1, and CBR at 9.0. Chlorpyrifos 20 EC exhibited slightly less effectiveness with shoot infestation at 15.82%, fruit infestation at 14.74%, yield at 639.7 kg/ha^-1, and CBR at 9.3. Tobacco leaves extract at a concentration of 500g/l (15.78% shoot infestation, 15.36% fruit infestation, 628.7 kg/ha^-1 yield, and CBR of 7.4) and Neem oil at a concentration of 100ml/l (17.03% shoot infestation, 15.70% fruit infestation, 591.7 kg/ha^-1 yield, and CBR of 7.00) showed moderate effectiveness. The highest levels of shoot infestation (23.06%), fruit infestation (23.89%), and lowest yield (390 kg/ha^-1) were observed in the control group. In conclusion, the chemical insecticides Chlorantraniliprole 20 SC and Cypermethrin 25 EC demonstrated the best results in managing the pest, while the botanical extract tobacco leaves could serve as an alternative to chemical insecticides.

Keywords: Brinjal shoot borer, fruit borer, chemicals, botanicals, Malam Jaba.