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ThesisItem Open Access Diversity, abundance and pollination efficiency of insect pollinators on seed crop of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck)(CCSHAU, 2014) Suman Devi; OmbirThe present study was conducted at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana (India). Twenty seven insect species belonging to 14 families under 5 orders were observed visiting the flowers of broccoli. In variety BFT-1, A. dorsata was the most abundant visitor (2.90) followed by A. mellifera (2.30), A. cerana (1.20), A. florea (0.80) and syrphid fly were least frequent visitor (0.20), in variety GH-1 A. mellifera was the most abundant visitor (7.34) followed by A. florea (6.67), A. dorsata (2.15), syrphid fly (1.84) and A. cerana (1.22) and in varieties LPH-1 and DPH-1, A. mellifera was the most abundant visitor (5.96 and 7.00) followed by A. florea (4.46 and 5.50), syrphid fly (2.97 and 3.30), A. dorsata (2.62 and 2.41 ) and A. cerana (1.66 and 2.40). The mean foraging speed, in varieties BFT-1, GH-1, LPH-1 and DPH-1 was maximum in case of A. florea (28.29, 38.54, 37.44 and 36.72, respectively) followed by A. dorsata (5.19, 5.24, 5.24 and 5.20, respectively), A. mellifera (4.54, 4.54, 4.52 and 4.50, respectively ), A. cerana (3.56, 3.51, 3.58 and 3.59, respectively) and syrphid fly (1.90, 2.65, 2.67 and 2.60, respectively). The mean foraging rate in varieties BFT-1, GH-1, LPH-1 and DPH-1 was maximum in case of syrphid fly (14.18, 17.61, 17.42 and 17.33, respectively) followed by A. cerana (10.26, 10.29, 10.27 and 10.32, respectively), A. mellifera (9.27, 10.04, 10.00 and 10.31, respectively), A. dorsata (7.84, 7.88, 7.77 and 7.80, respectively) and A. florea (1.42, 1.71, 1.71 and 1.72, respectively). The average number of broccoli siliqua/plant, siliqua length, number of seeds/siliqua, seed vigour-I, seed vigour-II, test weight and germination per cent under open-pollination were significantly higher than without insect pollination. Number of siliqua/plant, number of seeds/10 siliqua, siliqua length (cm), test weight (g), germination (%) and seed vigour-I, seed vigour-II of uncaged and caged broccoli plants were 3,362.0 and 672.6, 118.75 and 25.85, 6.79 and 3.54, 2.888 and 2.092, 87.50 and 30.25, 1,471.65 and 418.40 and 0.662 and 0.112, respectively.ThesisItem Open Access Bioecology of castor capsule borer, conogethes punctiferalis guenee (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)(CCSHAU, 2016) Shivakumar K.; Gaur, Ram KaranField and laboratory studies on Bioecology of castor capsule borer, Conogethes punctiferalis Guenee (Lepidoptera:Pyralidae) were carried out at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional research station, Bawal during 2015-16. Studies on biology of C. punctiferalis showed that eggs of this species were pale white, round, oval shaped and found singly or in groups of 4 to 7. The incubation period varied from 4 to 5 days. There were five larval instars and the total larval duration varied from 15 to 20 days. The pupa was dark brown in colour, obtect and pupal period varied from 9 to 11 days. Female moth having tuft of anal hairs but it is absent in case of male moth. Male moths of C. punctiferalis were smaller (mean 21.90��0.70 mm in wing expense) than female (mean 23.40��1.24 mm in wing expense). Adult male lived for 5 to 6 days whereas female for 6 to 7 days. The total life span of male ranged from 34 to 73 days, while that of female from 35 to 76 days in different generations. There was a ifference in sex ratio, being in favour of female both in laboratory and field condition. The pest completed five generations in a year. The presence of brown frass and fecal pellets around the entrance hole was the symptom of infestation of this pest. The observations on pest infestation showed that infestation fluctuated from 2.0 to 14.2 per cent. The peak level of infestation (14.2 per cent) was recorded during November 16-30, 2015. The pest infestation showed negative correlation with maximum temperature (-0.394), minimum temperature (-0.346) and rainfall (-0.121) whereas positive correlation with morning (0.479) and evening (0.206) relative humidity. This pest caused 10.5 per cent seed infestation in castor, 2 to 5 percent damage on guava fruit whereas no infestation was found on ber, aonla and mulberry. The castor capsule borer caused the economic loss an approximately Rs. 7560 per hectare in castor crop.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on insect pollinators on bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)(CCSHAU, 2010) B. Pavana Kumar; Sharma, S.K.The present study was conducted on four bitter gourd hybrids viz., Indam-49, Bahar, Kohinoor and Unnat CT-100 at Research Farm of department of Entomology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. A total of 24 insect species were visited bitter gourd flowers viz., 11 hymenopterans, 7 lepidopterans, 5dipterans and 1 coleopteran. Among these, Halictus sp., Megachile sp. and Apis dorsata Fab. were found to be the most frequent pollinators. The abundance of Halictus sp. (1.44 bees/m2/5 minutes) was highest followed by Megachile sp. (1.05 bees/m2/5 minutes) and A. dorsata (0.78 bees/m2/5 minutes). Irrespective of species, the population was maximum (2.40 bees/m2/5 minutes) at 0800-1000 h of the day. Foragers of A. dorsata, Halictus sp. and Megachile sp. commenced their activity at 0600, 0630 and 0700 h, respectively with peak period at 0800-1000 h and ceased their activity at 1800, 1730 and 1700 h, respectively. Out of the total foragers of the day, 47.93 per cent were pollen, 19.01 per cent were nectar collectors and 33.06 per cent were pollen+nectar collectors in case of Halictus sp., for A. dorsata, these values were 44.44, 26.39 and 29.17 per cent, respectively, and for Megachile sp., these values were 43.66, 38.03 and 18.31 per cent, respectively. Megachile sp. spent maximum time (av. 10.84 seconds/flower), whereas, A. dorsata spent least time (av. 2.39 seconds/flower) but visited maximum (av. 10.54) flowers per minute. Based on pollination index (Number of loose pollen grains sticking on the body of bee x abundance), A. dorsata was the most efficient pollinator of Momordica charantia with pollination index of 132600 followed by Halictus sp. with pollination index 85800 and Megachile sp. with pollination index 84000 under agro-ecological conditions of Hisar (Haryana). Effect of different modes of pollination on yield parameters of bitter gourd showed that maximum fruit set (74.00%) was observed under open-pollination + hand-pollination treatment and no fruits were observed (0% fruit set) under without insect pollination treatment. Average fruit length, fruit weight and fruit diameter was observed maximum (15.11 cm, 104.52 g and 4.20 cm, respectively) under Open-pollination + hand-pollination, while these were observed minimum (11.61 cm, 65.61 g and 3.72 cm, respectively) under hand-pollination treatment.ThesisItem Open Access Seasonal biology, bases of resistance and yield losses due to shoot fly, atherigona soccata (Rondani) in maize(CCSHAU, 2010) Jambheshwar Lal; Mehla, J.C.The seasonal biology of shoot fly (Atherigona soccata Rondani) was studied on two maize varieties; susceptible Basi local and resistant HM-4 during spring season 2009. Minimum oviposition and dead heart were observed in resistant variety HM-4. The larval and pupal period were observed maximum on resistant variety HM-4 than susceptible on Basi local. Adult emergence was observed 48.03 and 73.06 per cent on resistant variety HM-4 and susceptible variety Basi local, respectively. The fecundity and oviposition period were observed maximum on susceptible variety Basi local and minimum on resistant variety HM-4. The adult longevity was observed maximum (8.30 days) on susceptible variety Basi local and minimum (6.09 days) on resistant variety HM-4. The larval growth index and total growth index were maximum on susceptible variety Basi local and minimum on resistant variety HM-4. Among different morphological plant factors plant height, number of leaves per plant and leaf length were negatively correlated. Similarly, the biochemical constituent phenols and tannin were negatively correlated whereas protein, sugar and chlorophyll in plant leaves were positively correlated with shoot fly growth and development parameters. The oviposition and dead hearts were recorded minimum in plots treated with imidacloprid 17.8 SL as seed treatment followed by spray of carbaryl 50 WP and endosulfan 35 EC. Similarly, maximum yield was recorded in imidacloprid 17.8 SL as seed treatment followed by spray of carbaryl 50 WP and endosulfan 35 EC.ThesisItem Open Access Bioefficacy of cypermethrin and decamethrin against leucinodes orbonalis guenee and their residues in brinjal fruits(CCSHAU, 2010) Prabhjot Kaur; Yadav, G.S.A Field experiment was carried out during summer season of 2009 at the Research Area of Department of Entomology, CCS, Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to evaluate the bioefficacy of cypermethrin at (17.5, 26.25, 35 g a.i. acre-1) and decamethrin at (5.6, 8.4, 11.2 g a.i. acre-1) against brinjal shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee) on brinjal var. BR-112. The first application of each insecticide was done 49 days after transplanting followed by second application after 10 days. All the treatments were significantly better than the control. The shoot damage was found lowest (3.1%) in decamethrin @11.2 g a.i. acre-1. The mean fruit damage on number and weight basis was also minimum (27.7% and 31.3%), respectively, in decamethrin @ 11.2 g a.i. acre-1treated plots. The larval population varied from 1-7 in the various treatments with the lowest in decamethrin @ 8.4 and 11.2 g a.i. acre-1. Double application of two synthetic pyrethroids viz., cypermethrin@ 17.5 and 35 g a.i. acre-1 and decamethrin@ 5.6 and 11.2 g a.i. acre-1 were applied on brinjal and the residues were determined on fruits at harvest at different time intervals. The initial deposits of cypermethrin@ 17.5 and 35.0 g a.i. acre-1 were 0.600 and 1.095 μg/g and decamethrin@ 5.6 and 11.2 g a.i. acre-1 were 0.430 and 0.900 μg/g, respectively. The half life values calculated were 2.41, 2.55 days for 17.5, 35 g a.i. acre-1 cypermethrin and 1.31, 1.48 days for 5.6, 11.2 g a.i. acre-1 decamethrin. The residue levels were found to be below MRL at 3day for cypermethrin and 7 day for decamethrin.ThesisItem Open Access Bioefficacy of some entomopathogenic fungi against thrips, thrips tabaci lindeman on onion crop(CCSHAU, 2010) M. Annamalai; Kaushik, H.D.Investigations were carried out to assess the pathogenicity of two entomopathogens, Beauveria bassiana and Verticillium lecanii against Thrips tabaci on onion crop. Bioassay studies under laboratory were carried out to determine the LC50 and LT50 values of these entomopathogens against T. tabaci. Screen house and field studies were carried out to assess the bioefficacy of the entomopathogens against T. tabaci. The cumulative corrected mortality of T. tabaci due to B. bassiana ranged from 43.75 - 90.63 per cent at 7 days after treatment (DAT) whereas due to V. lecanii it was 31.34 - 86.57 per cent under laboratory conditions. The LC50 values of B. bassiana and V. lecanii against T. tabaci were 1.23x107 and 1.82x108 spores/ml, respectively. The LT50 values of B. bassiana for different concentrations against T. tabaci ranged from 72.42 - 191.90 hours where the lowest LT50 value of 72.42 hours was obtained for the concentration of 1x1012 spores/ml. The LT50 values of V. lecanii against T. tabaci ranged from 79.61 - 270.41 hours where the lowest LT50 value of 79.61 hours was obtained for the concentration 1x1012 spores/ml. In screen house experiment with B. bassiana, a cumulative corrected mortality of 78.48 per cent was observed at 7 DAT for the lab cultured B. bassiana at the concentration 1.23x108 spores/ml, while the commercial formulation of B. bassiana (Myco-Jaal, 1x108 spores/ml) recorded a mortality of 78.48 per cent at 7 DAT and the standard check Fenvalerate 20 EC (0.0075%) gave a mortality of 97.84 per cent. In the case of V. lecanii a cumulative corrected mortality of 78.88 per cent was observed for the lab cultured V. lecanii at the concentration 1.82x109spores/ml while the commercial formulation of V. lecanii (Phule Bugicide, 2x108 cfu/g) recorded a mortality of 80.53 per cent and the standard check Fenvalerate 20 EC (0.0075%) gave a mortality of 99.50 per cent. In field experiments, the lab cultured B. bassiana with concentration of 1.23x109 spores/ml recorded a mortality of 69.40 per cent while the commercial formulation of the fungus gave a mortality of 73.40 per cent and Fenvalerate 20 EC (0.0075%) gave a mortality of 90.50 per cent. The lab cultured V. lecanii of concentration 1.82x1010 spores/ml gave a mortality of 69.70 per cent and the commercial formulation of the fungus recorded 74.90 per cent mortality, however the insecticide Fenvalerate 20 EC 0.0075% gave a mortality of 90.10 per cent. The results obtained from the studies revealed that the entomopathogenic fungi were found effective against T. tabaci.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of okra genotypes for resistance to two spotted mite tetranychus urticae koch (Acarina : Tetranychidae)(CCSHAU, 2011) Nain, Jitender; Ram SinghTwenty five genotypes of okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench were evaluated during crop season 2009-10 and twenty two genotypes were evaluated during crop season 2010-11 for field resistance to two spotted mite Tetranychus urticae Koch. On the basis of observation on incidence of T. urticae, seven genotypes namely, two least susceptible (HB-02-14-1-1 and HB-02-17-1) and two moderately susceptible (HTB-1-17-5 and HRB-107-4-1), two highly susceptible (HBT-6-15-3-7 and BB1) and one popular variety Hisar Unnat were selected for elaborate studies under field and laboratory conditions. During crop season 2009-10 two least susceptible genotypes of okra HB-02-14-1-1 (24.19/cm2)and HB-02-17-1(27.21/cm2) differed significantly (P< 0.05) from highly susceptible genotypes HBT-6-15-3-7 (43.11/cm2) and BB1(42.35/cm2) in respect of mite population. Similar results were obtained during 2010-11. Population of T. urticae was found more on top strata of dorsal surface (30.95/cm2) and ventral surface (55.86/cm2) followed by middle strata on dorsal surface (25.17/cm2) and ventral surface (46.31/cm2) and bottom strata on dorsal surface (15.02/cm2) and ventral surface( 29.75/cm2) of okra plant in 2009-10. Similar trend of population distribution was recorded in season 2010-11. Highly susceptible genotype HBT-6-15-3-7 was more preferred for egg laying (52.61/leaf disc).Whereas least susceptible genotypes HB-02-14-1-1(18.66) and HB-02-17-1(23.24) genotypes supported less number of eggs. Survival of T. urticae was also less on least susceptible genotypes HB-02-14-1-1(13 %) and HB-02-17-1(15 %) in comparison to highly susceptible genotypes HBT-6-15-3-7(73%) and BB1 (57%). Biology of two spotted mite T. urticae was studied on these promising genotypes. Shortest incubation period ( 4.57days), larval period (3.97 days), nymphal period (4.22 days), larval plus nymphal period (8.18 days) and total life period ( 17.85 days) was observed on least susceptible genotypes(HB-02-14-1-1 and HB-02-17-1) and longest incubation period ( 3.16 days), larval period (5.16 days), nymphal period( 4.46 days), larval plus nymphal period (9.48 days) and total life period (21.19 days)was found on highly susceptible genotypes (HBT-6-15-3-7 and BB1), respectively. Shortest oviposition period was observed on HB-02-14-1-1(5.66 days) and longest on BB1 (8.61 days) and shortest longevity of female was found on okra genotype HB-02-14-1-1(8.28 days) and longest on HBT-6-15-3-7(11.71days). Female to male ratio was found maximum on moderately susceptible genotype of okra namely HRB-107-4-1(4.3:1) and minimum on least susceptible genotypes HB-02-14-1-1(2.4:1). This indicated antibiosis mechanism of resistance. Correlation of length of trichome with larval plus nymphal survival (r= 0.82) was positively significant (P<0.05). Sugar and phosphorus were positively correlated with larval period (r= 0.71 and r= 0.73) and nymphal period (r= 0.74 and r= 0.72) but negatively correlated with larval plus nymphal survival (r= -0.81 and r= -0.91). Potassium showed significantly positive correlation with nymphal period (r= 0.94) and negative correlation with larval plus nymphal survival (r= -0.91). Antinutritional compounds tannin and phenols showed positive correlation with larval period (r= 0.88 and r= 0.81) and nymphal period (r= 0.76and r= 0.78), but negatively significant (P<0.05) correlation with larval plus nymphal survival (r= -0.78 and r= -0.79), respectively. Only relative humidity (r= 0.77) had significantly (P<0.05) positive correlation with mean population of T. urticae in crop season during 2009-10. Other weather parameters did not show any correlation with T. urticae population during crop season 2009-10 and 2010-11.ThesisItem Open Access Biology and population dynamics of solenopsis mealybug parasitoid, aenasius bambawalei hayat (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)(CCSHAU, 2010) Vijaya; Pala RamStudies on the biology and population dynamics of Aenasius bambawalei Hayat, a parasitoid of solenopsis mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis were conducted during 2009-10 in Biological Control Laboratory as well as Research Farm of Department of Entomology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. Biological studies of the parasitoid were conducted at room temperature ranging from 23.2-33.30C with 51.3-79 % R.H. and at 20±10C, 25±10C, 30±10C and 35±10C during June, 2009 to June, 2010. Studies on the host stage preference for the parasitoid were conducted during July, 2010 at the room temperature ranging from 26-310C with 46-73.6 % R.H. Observations on the per cent parasitization by the parasitoid, relative abundance of the hyperparasitoid species etc were recorded under field conditions throughout the year. The results indicated that A. bambawalei completed its development and reproduction at all the temperatures ranging from 20 to 350C. It was observed that there was no difference in the development period between male and female of Aenasius bambawalei from oviposition to host mummy formation. Female parasitoids took longer time to emerge out of the host mummies as compared to males. Pre-oviposition period of less than one day was recorded while post-oviposition period was ranging from 0-5 days at all the temperatures. There was a decrease in the oviposition period as the temperature increased from 20±10C (35.86 days) to 35±10C (15.53 days). Daily fecundity (4.24 parasitized hosts per female) and total fecundity (100.86 parasitized hosts per female) was maximum at the room temperature ranging from 23.2-33.30C. Males were short lived as compared to female parasitoids at all the temperatures. Sex-ratio was always in the favour of female parasitoids at all the temperatures. Net reproductive rate (53.61), intrinsic rate (0.185) and finite rate of increase (1.203) were maximum at the room temperature (23.2-33.30C) indicating this temperature regime as more favourable for the development and reproduction of the parasitoid. Pre-reproductive female hosts and third instar hosts were most preferred by the parasitoid for parasitization both under choice and no-choice conditions. First instars were not parasitized. Maximum survival (93.49%) was observed in the parasitoids emerged from pre-reproductive female hosts. Small sized hosts yielded more male parasitoids (91.23%) whereas, large sized hosts yielded more female parasitoids (73.39%). Males were generally smaller in size as compared to female parasitoids. Development of both male and female parasitoids was faster in large sized hosts like pre-reproductive female hosts (12.0 days) and reproductive female hosts (13.53 days). The parasitoid, A. bambawalei parasitized P. solenopsis in the field conditions throughout the year except in the months of January-February when no colonies of the pest were seen. During crop season parasitization ranged from 13.4 to 76.6 per cent while in the off season parasitization ranged from 5.2 to 74.8 per cent on the alternate host plants. A. bambawalei was the only primary parasitoid recorded from P. solenopsis. Four hyperparasitoids of A. bambawalei namely, Promuscidea unfaciativentris Girault, Myiocnema comperei Ashmead, Prochiloneurus albifuniculus (Hayat, Alam and Agarwal) and Marietta leopardina Motschulsky were recorded. Among these M. comperei was most dominant (93.1%) during the study period while the abundance of other hyperparasitoids was quite low ranging from 0.6-5.1 per cent. Keeping in view the potential of the parasitoid in controlling P. solenopsis, it must be conserved on cotton and other alternate host plants.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of entomopathogenic nematodes against Plutella xylostella (L.) on cabbage(CCSHAU, 2011) Rajesh Kumar; Ram SinghPresent investigation on “Evaluation of entomopathogenic nematodes against Plutella xylostella (L.) on cabbage” was carried out in laboratory and screen-house. The investigation focused on the selection of appropriate indigenous strain of EPN, its application as foliar spray and its compatibility with currently used insecticides and Bt against Plutella xylostella on cabbage. EPN isolates (Steinernema asiaticum, Steinernema sp. RB-5 and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) were used to know the effectiveness against P. xylostella. Third instar larvae of P. xylostella were susceptible to all three EPNs isolates. Steinernema sp. (RB-5) was least virulent (larval mortality 15.62%) after 96h whereas highest virulence was observed in S. asiaticum (larval mortality 65.62%) at 20±1ºC. Nematode multiplication (no. of IJs recovered per larva) was recorded highest (1226) in S. asiaticum. On the basis of highest mortality and maximum nematode multiplication S. asiaticum was selected for further studies on its pathogenic potential, compatibility with insecticides, effect of temperature on its growth and development, and its efficacy against P. xylostella as foliar spray. LC50 value of S. asiaticum was worked out to be 11.2 by using Probit analysis. At 20 and 25 ˚C, S. asiaticum caused 45 and 80 per cent mortality after 96 h. S. asiaticum caused significant insect mortality even at the high temperatures. S. asiaticum was effective within 20-35 °C, with optimum insect mortality at 30 °C. Nematode multiplication was maximum at 30 °C. Maximum IJs recovery was at 30 (279) and 35˚C (228). Maximum nematode growth and development took place at 35 °C. S. asiaticum was compatible with endosulfan, malathion and Bt and it can be incorporated in the IPM programme for management of P. xylostella. Split application (15000 + 15000 IJs) of S. asiaticum IJs proved better and resulted in 48.33 per cent mortality as compared to single dose (30,000) that caused 36 per cent mortality.